Michael Beasley’s basketball career may turn around as multiple NBA teams are reportedly interested in him.
When looking back at potential NBA stars from recent years that have never amounted to what pre-draft predictions forecast for their future, Michael Beasley always springs to mind. From inconsistencies and injuries on the court to major concerns over his off-court life and issues with drugs and arrests, Beasley’s career has been turbulent to say the least.
Most recently, he signed a multi-year deal with the Miami Heat on March 18, 2015, although he’s now playing with the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association.
However, Marc Stein of ESPN has reported that a comeback could be in store, stating that Beasley may have earned himself a contract for the end of the 2015-16 season:
"A clutch of NBA teams, I’m told, are tracking Michael Beasley as he nears a return from China. Last seen in the NBA last season with Miami, Beasley has played his way into contention for a late-season contract back home after a strong season in which he’s established himself a 40-plus percent shooter from 3-point range while leading Shandong to the playoffs for the first time in more than a half-decade with a slew of gaudy numbers."
While China may boast some of the better international basketball talent, success there is still vastly different to success in the NBA. So, besides Beasley’s impressive play and 40 percent three-point stroke which translates better (albeit against weaker defense abroad), it must be his focus on basketball that has caught the attention of multiple teams in the U.S.
After all, it’s far easier for former NBA players to put up 2K-like numbers in China. Carrying his team to the playoffs for the first time in so many years is also impressive, but the matter of an NBA team taking a risk on his unique and versatile skill set is only something that teams in desperate need of help will consider.
It’s hard to see that any playoff contender would be so keen to add another combo forward that they would take a risk on Beasley. Yet, if you’re stuck around the bottom of your conference, the thought process of “why not?” may be enough for some. We’ll just have to wait and see if Michael Beasley lands yet another chance to create a long-term NBA career.
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