10 Things I Hate About You: Why This Heat Fan Hasn't Embraced Michael Beasley
Let me start by providing some context.
I am a long-time Heat fan. When I started going to games in Miami, we were cheering Sherman Douglas and Rony Seikaly, and chanting Alan Ogg's name in the rare cases in which the team cleared its bench.
As a Heat fan, I have supported Michael Beasley, and will continue to do so as a long as he plays in Miami.
But, in all honesty, I don't like him very much. The reasons are numerous.
Here are 10 good ones:
1. The saddest words...what might have been
The Heat are not the Clippers. They don't get lottery picks every year. So, when the Heat found themselves as the favorite for the first pick two years ago, I eagerly anticipated the acquisition of Derrick Rose to play along side Dwyane Wade. It didn't happen. I tried to tell myself, "Beasley will be just as good if not better." But...
2. Disappoinment
I didn't expect that Beasley would average 20 and 10 as a rookie, or even in year two. But I did expect more. There was progression in year two, but not enough for the second pick in the draft.
3. Immaturity
From his rookie seminar antics, to Twitters gone bad, to rehab. This is more than mere growing pains. Beasley needs to grow up...quickly.
4. Just Dunk The Damn Ball!
It downright humiliating how many times Beasley has driven to the hoop, tried to lay the ball off the glass or finish with a finger roll, and seen the ball swatted back in his face.
5. Get Rid Of The Ball!
How many times do I have to shout this at my TV screen while Beasley holds the ball on the perimeter before he listens? This is not college. You are not "the man" who gets to determine the flow of the offense.
6. That Look On Dwyane's Face
You know what I'm talking about. That look that Dwyane gets that says "what the hell is this kid doing?" I've never seen him get that look over Udonis.
7. Now You See Him, Now You Don't
It's one thing to average 15 points per game by having 16 one night, 12 the next, and 17 the night after that. Its another to have 27 points one night, then 3 the next. Know what I mean?
8. 'Tweener?
Does Beasley really have a position? He's neither a classic PF, nor is he a SF. Beware the 'tweener.
9. Greener Grass
If the Heat can obtain Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire, or Carlos Boozer, do you take the chance that Beasley will develop and reach a comparable level? I wouldn't.
10. Where's The D?
Sure, there are plenty of young players who don't do much on the defensive end. I think Beasley is below average, however, even for his level.
Some may react to this by suggesting I'm a "hater." Not the case at all. I've really wanted to embrace Beasley. Heck, I even defended him for a while.
At this point, though, I have to be honest...
I don't care much for his game right now.
