Michael Beasley put up solid numbers in a limited role for the Miami Heat during the 2013-14 season. He averaged 7.9 points (49.9 percent shooting from the floor and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc) and 3.1 rebounds per game. And despite Beasley never living up to the hype of being a No. 2 overall draft pick, he’s still just 25 and many would agree he still has potential for a decent career.
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Yet, it’s late into August and the Kansas State product remains un-signed.
Furthermore, the Heat, the team team that drafted Beasley in 2008 and thought enough of his ability to give him a second chance last offseason, have shown barely any interest in bringing him back.
But, why exactly is that?
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has the answer:
"A person with direct knowledge cited several reasons for the Heat’s lack of interest: Inconsistency, lack of trust in his defense (and ability to execute the Heat’s defensive system), and maturity/focus issues, which are still a concern even though he improved somewhat in that regard last season.(…)essentially, this comes down to lack of trust by the Heat coaching staff after working with Beasley for nine months. It spoke volumes that the Heat instead preferred a player (Shawne Williams) who has had just one good NBA season (2010-11 for the Knicks) and spent much of last season in the Developmental League."
It’s hard to blame the Heat for shying away from Beasley for those reasons. Miami remains in a win-now mode and if they can’t trust Beasley than there’s little use for him.
Beasley will likely latch on somewhere because of his offensive talent, but the once-can’t miss prospect’s days in Miami are in all likelihood over.