A shot at redemption
If someone told you that Michael Beasley would become the bright spot for the Rockets’ 2015-16 season, you’d probably laugh and call that person crazy.
March 4, Michael Beasley, small forward, signed with the Rockets after no moves were made at the trade deadline for the remainder of the 2016 season.
The Rockets need consistency. They need a player to ‘fit the mold’ and transpire this lack-luster season into something Houston fans can appreciate.
This could be Beasley’s shot at redemption. After a couple of humbling years playing basketball in China, the once NBA All-Rookie received a second chance in the NBA and to turn his life around.
Beasley was born in Cheverly, Md. and didn’t grow up under the greatest circumstances. He was always on the move with his mother and two siblings, and he didn’t have a father figure around. Beasley played basketball in high school, attended seven schools in five years and was always in trouble.
In 2007, Beasley attended Kansas State University where he was averaging 26.2 points per game as a freshman. He was considered one of the best players in college basketball and one year after college Beasley left for the NBA draft in 2008. He was the 2nd overall pick by the Miami Heat behind standout point guard, Derrick Rose.
But things went terribly wrong for Beasley upon entering the NBA in 2008.
- 2008: Beasley and two other teammates were caught with prostitutes and marijuana by team officials. No arrests were made, but Beasley was fined $50,000.
- 2009: Pictures surfaced online with Beasley smoking marijuana, and he checked in to a rehab facility in Houston, Texas.
- 2011: Beasley was pulled over for a traffic violation, and he was later arrested when officers found a bag of marijuana in his possession.
- 2011: Beasley was traded to Minnesota Timberwolves after another arrest for marijuana. A foot injury led to his release.
- 2013: Beasley was pulled over for speeding and was in possession of a loaded gun. He was under investigation for sexual assault in Arizona.
Was Beasley worth the trouble, money and the sheer embarrassment he provided NBA teams? The answer was no. His time expired as a NBA player and, in 2014, he signed with the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball League before getting the call from Houston.
Beasley has been a huge part of the team’s push for the play offs after coming over from China. Beasley came up big again March 29 scoring 17 points in 27 minutes while helping the Rockets knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-100 after trailing by 20 points at halftime. Beasley has totaled the second most points behind point guard, James Harden in the month of March.
With five games remaining, and half-a-game outside the playoffs, can Beasley and the Rockets redeem themselves and make a strong playoff push towards a championship? Only time will tell. Let’s go Rockets!
