The most disrespected NBA superstar: Michael Beasley

Michael Beasley was selected with the second pick in the 2008 NBA draft, yet he hasn’t averaged more than 20 minutes per game since he was with the Miami Heat during the 2014-15 season. Now a member of the New York Knicks, Beasley is poised to show the world what he is truly capable of doing.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Beasley was asked about how other players feel about him. He claimed “I’m your favorite player’s favorite player.”

Beasley also stated that he believes that the Knicks can finish fifth or sixth in the Eastern Conference this season. When asked about the roster, Beasley told reporters that not only himself, but Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. are all capable of putting up 25 points per game. Speaking of Melo, Beasley told reporters that “If you watch my game, really watch my game, my jab series, all that. I’m literally just Carmelo on the left side of the floor.”

During the summer, Beasley told the New York Post that he is tired of getting disrespected. He claimed “Not being disrespectful. But I want my respect. For the last nine years, I’ve been a walking bucket, man. Anytime you want a point, I’ll give you a point, no matter what circumstances, who the player is defending me.”

In Beasley’s 509 career NBA games, he averages 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. So is he crazy to believe he is a “walking bucket” and can average 25 a game? After looking at the numbers, absolutely not. In fact, Michael Beasley is the most disrespected NBA superstar.

College Days

In 2007, Michael Beasley attended Kansas State for only one year, yet it was one of the best seasons we have seen at the collegiate level. Beasley averaged 26.2 points per game and led the nation with 12.4 rebounds per game. He did all this while shooting an incredible 53.7 percent from the field. His ridiculous numbers earned him first team All-America honors from the Association Press, as well as Big 12 Player of the Year.

Some other notable college achievements include:

• 866 total points ranks third among all freshmen in NCAA history
• Led the nation in double-doubles with 28
• Had 13 games in which he scored at least 30 points and grabbed at least 10 rebounds. (Led the NCAA)
• Currently holds 30 Kansas State career, single season and freshman records.
• Holds 17 Big 12 single-game and single-season records
• Nominated National Freshman of the Year and First team All-American by multiple sources.

NCAA PLAYERS WITH AT LEAST 25 PPG and 12 REBOUNDS WITH A 50 FG PERCENTAGE OR BETTER IN A SEASON (SINCE 1992)

Since 1992, the only other freshmen to average at least 25 points and 10 boards was Kevin Durant in 2006-2007. This made declaring for the NBA an easy decision for Beasley.

NBA

After being selected second in the draft by the Miami Heat, Beasley was quick to find trouble. During that same summer, at the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program, Beasley, along with some other rookies, were involved in a situation in which their hotel room fire alarm went off and police responded. Apparently, the room smelled like marijuana, which is a bad look if you are a player trying to make it in the association. Beasley was later fined by the Heat.

Still, Beasley found success on the court, averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during his rookie campaign. In the summer before his second season, Beasley spent time in rehab for stress-related issues. During his sophomore season, Beasley started 78 games and scored close to 15 points per game. In July of 2010, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for two draft picks. This allowed the Heat to clear cap space and create their big three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

Beasley’s first season with Minnesota was tremendous. In 73 starts, Beasley averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Beasley was a top 20 scorer and played over 30 minutes a game. So at age 22, how did his numbers match up with the rest of the NBA?

Players, age 22 or younger, who have scored at least 3650 points, 120 3-point field goals, and 1300 rebounds (IN ORDER FROM TOTAL POINTS)

Michael Beasley was on pace to be up there with the greats. Following his breakout year, Beasley was pulled over for speeding, and the cop found some marijuana, which led to a small fine. Two months later, he was involved in an altercation in which he shoved a heckler. Because of these off-court issues and an injury to his foot, Beasley only started seven games in his second year with the Timberwolves.

FROM TEAM TO TEAM

The next five years were an absolute roller coaster ride for Beasley. In 2012, Beasley signed an $18 million dollar deal with the Phoenix Suns, but only started 20 games. In a game off the bench against the Lakers, Beasley erupted for 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals. An arrest for marijuana ultimately led to Beasley being waived, one year into his three-year deal.

From 2013-16, Beasley went from the Suns, to the Heat, to the Shanghai Sharks, back to the Heat, back to China (except this time for the Shandong Golden Stars) and finally, to the Houston Rockets. In 18 minutes a game off the bench, Beasley averaged 12.8 points. He was one of seven players, minimum 20 games, to average 25 points per 36 minutes. This list included Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, James Harden and Damian Lillard.

Last September, Beasley was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He appeared in 56 games and averaged 9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. Again, if he was given more playing time, he would have excelled. The following table illustrates players who averaged at least 20 points, and 7 rebounds, on 50 percent shooting or better.

2016-17 Per 36 mins, players with at least 20 points and seven rebounds on 50 FG percentage or better (Minimum 50 games)

Do you still think he is a bust?

Can someone give this guy some minutes? People who think Beasley is a bust need to really look into his numbers. He is up there with the best players in the league when allotted the appropriate minutes. In case you are wondering what players in his draft look like compared to him:

CAREER PER 36: (In order of FG percentage)

BROOK LOPEZ 20.8/8 TRB/.506FG

MICHAEL BEASLEY 19.3/7.2 TRB/.458FG

RUSSELL WESTBROOK 23.9/8.4 A/.433FG

KEVIN LOVE 20.3/12.7 TRB/.442FG

As you can tell, it’s not a talent problem. In fact, he is actually proven to be more efficient than both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love, while still scoring around the same amount of points per 36 minutes.

IS THIS THE YEAR?

Now with New York, Beasley just wants a chance. Can you blame him? At 22, he was on pace to be up there with the best players in our game. Off-court issues and mismanagement have led to him only starting nine games since the 2013-14 season.

By the way, if he is not getting minutes because of his defense, then James Harden shouldn’t play either. Offense outweighs defense and Beasley is an electric scorer. If Michael Beasley is on the court, he is going to get buckets. Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. Michael Beasley would be an All-Star in this league if he was given a legit shot.

At age 28, which most consider the prime of your athletic career, Beasley has lost 20 pounds by cutting out sugar and red meat. He concluded his recent ESPN interview by saying “I just want a fair opportunity, a fair chance, a fair shot to play basketball.”

When diving into the numbers, it is obvious Michael Beasley has been extremely disrespected. This is a man who is capable of scoring on anyone, so let’s pray New York gives him that shot he not only has asked for, but deserves.

Featured image by Sporting News

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