As a result of the added salary implications associated with the signing of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and the re-signing of Dwyane Wade; the Miami Heat needed to dump salary, and fast. Seemingly minutes after LeBron uttered those words “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach” the Minnesota Timberwolves swooped in and made a deal that many didn’t believe was true, mainly, because it made sense.
The Wolves traded a 2011 2nd round draft pick to Miami, and in return received forward Michael Beasley who’s welcome had been worn out once LeBron and his talents reached South Beach. Although most associate Beasley as a locker room cancer, due to his track record of once attending a rehabilitation clinic in Texas, but a player like Beasley may be just what the doctor ordered for the Timberwolves’ franchise, and more importantly for Beasley.
The charismatic Beasley brings instant life into a Timberwolves’ locker room that at times looked as out of it as Al Davis on a Sunday afternoon. Beasley was the hit of the Wolves media day as a cameraman followed “B-Easy” around as he interviewed teammates, and made many believe they were witnessing a team that has been together for numerous years. By looking at the current roster it becomes evident this team is full of new faces, which speaks volumes about Beasley’s character at his ability to mesh.
Beasley could’ve easily walked into his current situation with the Wolves; showed up, went home, went to bed, and do it all again the next day without saying a word to teammates. Who would blame him if he did? This is a guy that went back and forth on draft boards with Derrick Rose as to who would be the 2008 1st overall pick. Now he’s a guy that was traded out of the best climate in the NBA, to the worst, to a team that won an abysmal 15 games in head coach Kurt Rambis’ first season on the Wolves bench last year.
He’s nearing the end of his contract, and at two-years experience is one of the more veteran players on this team. It’s a perfect situation for Beasley to give minimal effort or care for his team. But he hasn’t.
Beasley has canned his entourage. For his recreation he plays at least 9-holes of golf every day (Although I’m going to venture a guess that will be tough come December in Minneapolis), and when he’s done he goes back home to his family. Many in the NBA have written off Michael Beasley; given up on the once highly touted NBA prospect. His career averages of 14.3 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game represent an extreme under achievement for a second overall selection.
This is a fresh start for Beasley.
He joins a team that is in the process of a fresh start. General Manager David Kahn, who has been thoroughly mocked for some personnell moves, is in year two of cleaning up the inherited mess left by his predecessor Kevin McHale. A franchise whose oldest player is, gulp, 29 years old. A team that traded away its only big name, Al Jefferson. It’s a perfect situation for B-Easy to shine. This is his team. Kevin Love is there, but no one on this squad has the raw potential that the 21-year old Beasley has. It’s a perfect situation for him.
The Wolves made a great move by taking advantage of the Heat’s lucrative spending this off-season. They gave a forgotten 21-year old with potential that is sky high, an opportunity to shine. To me, Michael Beasley is the real winner of LeBron and his talents going to South Beach.
–Brett Cloutier
Brett and Mike Gallagher do a weekly podcast at www.thebackdoorcut.mypodcast.com and you can follow him at twitter.com/brettcloutier