The Enigma That Is Michael Beasley: Will The Miami Heat Cut Ties?

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Beast. Amazing talent. Future NBA star. Believe it or not those used to be the words to describe Michael Beasley.

Many forget that Derrick Rose wasn’t the consensus top overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He did end up being the top pick, but it was Beasley, “The Beast”, who stole the show during the 2007/08 college basketball season.

The college version of Beasley played to the tune of 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds on 54% shooting from the field and 38% shooting from three.

“ Beasley may be the most NBA-ready and talented player in the draft, but it seems as though the Heat had to be talked into drafting him. Even now, some NBA observers still believe that the Heat will continue to explore trades over the next few days and weeks. I think they should keep Beasley. He is such an explosive, versatile scorer, and an excellent rebounder. And I think he’s going to play with a chip on his shoulder to prove everyone wrong.”

-ESPN’s Chad Ford before the 2008 NBA Draft -

The College Michael Beasley can be seen below:

Kansas State's Mike Beasley

Remember Pat Riley’s last minute ’secret’ workouts with O.J. Mayo and Jerryd Bayless just before the draft? Turns out his reservations about taking Beasley were right on when you take into consideration his numerous early off-court troubles thus far.

Last summer, pictures of Beasley with what looked like marijuana paraphernalia were put on the internet (By him nonetheless!) and he entered a rehab program. Even rumors of a suicidal Beasley were flying around during the same time.

He has displayed flashes of greatness here and there in three to four minute bursts. Whether its a step-back jumper from 18 feet in the defender’s grill or an explosive first step leading to a tomahawk jam, nobody denies the kid gushes with ability.

But then there’s the Michael Beasley who looks uninterested during the game at times, especially on the defensive end.

Beasley is like the kid in the corner of the classroom who always has this befuddled, “out of it” look on his face. The teacher says “Michael are you still with us?” and all he’s thinking about is candy and video games.

It’s a shame the series Lost has ended, because he would be the perfect guest star.

His focus is always in question.

Maybe it’s because this is the first time in his life where he isn’t the focus on offense, and he isn’tthe man where he has countless opportunities to score.

Or maybe it’s something deeper than that. Did the success, fame, and money get to his head as a 19-year-old boy entering a man’s league? How could it not?

After two sub-par seasons (14 and 6, with a bunch of headaches) for a number two overall pick, Beasley is at a crossroads.

One road leads to Pat Riley giving him a second chance because he has shown flashes of his collegiate dominance and he isn’t a large expense ($5.5 million). The other leads to a destination of uncertainty, as Miami could ship him out to clear more cap room for the 2010 Free Agency Bonanza.

Unfortunately for Michael It’s not even up to him anymore. His resume is on pause right now, as it’s the offseason.

He can show up to the Heat’s off-season program in full force but all that matters is what translates over to the games and the fact is that the season doesn’t start for a quite a while.

If Riley can package Beasley and the Heat’s first rounder (18th overall) for a sure thing at point guard (Darren Collison or Ty Lawson anyone?) he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.

It’s likely the Heat signs a star power forward in the offseason, making Beasley highly expendable at that position. Theres also a chance Haslem returns. There is no way the Heat have a star power forward (Bosh, Stoudemire, Lee, or Boozer), Haslem, and Beasley on the opening day roster at the same position.

Miami should only keep the guy if they think he can be a legitimate small forward long term. Offensively he should be able to do it. He can handle the ball and shoot from anywhere on the floor. As always, its about his defense. There are questions about his defensive awareness and ability to defend opposing threes.

I lost track how many times I’ve seen Beasley out of position on defense. He’s not learning from his mistakes on that end, but that’s not to say he can’t improve.

It would be in everyone’s best interest if the Michael Beasley experiment does work out. That way Riley wouldn’t have failed in drafting him and Beasley would be in for a big payday once his contract is up in couple of years.

My gut is Riley Riley holds onto him. Beasley’s value is dirt low right now and it wouldn’t be wise to get rid of an asset with low value but still a chance of having a bright future.

Hopefully the third year is the charm and “The Beast” rises again.

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