Michael Beasley, who the Miami Heat drafted No. 2 in 2008, recently talked about his struggles in Miami
Michael Beasley is one of the biggest "what-ifs" in Miami Heat history, if not the entire NBA. The
Beasley had a dominant freshman season at Kansas State before entering the draft. He and Memphis Tigers guard Derrick Rose were considered the top two players in college basketball.
The Bulls took Rose with the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery in 2008. The Heat selected Beasley at No. 2. Rose became an MVP and perennial All-Star before injuries slowed a potential Hall of Fame career.
Beasley, meanwhile, never lived up to his potential. He was traded after two seasons in Miami to the Minnesota Timberwolves. After returning to the Heat a few years later, he was once again cast away by the organization.
During a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe's podcast, Beasley said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra preferred James Ennis.
“Spo didn’t like me," Beasley said. "… This man Spo looked at me and sat me behind James Ennis in the belief that he was the next LeBron James."
The Heat drafted Ennis out of Long Beach State in the second round in 2013. With the exception of an impressive dunk in the season opener of his rookie season, his career was uneventful. He played 65 games in Miami before bouncing around the league for the next few years.
"I love James, but Spo, you was wild for that," Beasley said. "I was hot. Spo literally had me sitting behind James Ennis and Shabazz Napier. He just didn’t like me."
After leaving the Heat in 2015, Beasley still remained in the league. He had stints with the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. Even though he never reached his full potential, Beasley had a productive career.
For many, they will always call him one of the most underachieving players in NBA history. His story is especially tough because it did not involve injuries. While players like Penny Hardaway, Brandon Roy and Grant Hill had major medical setbacks, Beasley only has himself to blame for his downfall. To this day, many NBA players still say he was one of the toughest covers in the league.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com