Michael Beasley Reportedly Will Sign with Rockets

Tyler ConwayFeb 23, 2016

Fresh off an inspired run in China, Michael Beasley will get yet another chance to revive his NBA career, as he reportedly has agreed to a contract with the Houston Rockets.

Continue for updates.

Beasley to Sign with Houston

Wednesday, March 2

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Beasley is on his way to Houston to sign a contract that will keep him with the Rockets through the end of the season and includes a team option for next year. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle confirmed the report.

Beasley Drew Interest from Multiple Teams

Tuesday, Feb. 23

Stein reported Tuesday a number of teams were keeping tabs on Beasley as he prepares to return from the Shandong Golden Stars. Beasley, 27, is averaging 31.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game this season.

Stein added Beasley turned down Euroleague side Maccabi Tel Aviv in the hopes of making an NBA comeback once the Chinese season ends.

Beasley Never Lived Up to Immense NBA Potential

Beasley last played for the Miami Heat in 2015, averaging 8.8 points and 3.7 rebounds while appearing in 24 games. The Heat declined a team option for their former No. 2 overall pick, and he failed to land another deal before heading to China.

While he was never quite able to live up to his promise stateside, Beasley has ascended to Stephon Marbury-esque stardom overseas. He has been an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, winning the game's MVP award both times. Never much of a consistent outside shooter in the NBA, Beasley has knocked down threes at a 36.7 percent rate with the Golden Stars.

"I haven't talked to him, but I noticed," former Heat teammate Dwyane Wade said, per Cristian Andal of yibada.com. "I want to know who he's playing against. But he's a talent. He's done well in China, man. It's not a bad thing to go somewhere and to be wanted and feel confident in your abilities. Good for him."

Opposing talent might be the biggest reason to express skepticism here. Beasley has never lacked from an abilities standpoint. He averaged double-figure points in each of his first five NBA seasons, including a 2010-11 campaign where he reached 19.2 points per game. At issue has always been Beasley's poor shot selection, lackadaisical effort on the defensive end and off-the-court incidents.

It's been nearly three years since Beasley ran afoul of the law, but his shot selection and defense were still a mess last season in Miami. Those problems don't quite present themselves in China where Beasley is typically head and shoulders above his competition from a talent standpoint. They will if he hasn't learned from his past mistakes when a team picks him up.

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