Michael Beasley is still looking for a place to play next season, and although teams are now supposedly courting him, no one has made a deal yet.
Michael Beasley had arguably his best year as a pro with the Miami Heat last season, and he was no doubt hoping teams would see that he matured since past trouble, and was ready to get close to the potential everyone saw in him when he was drafted 2nd overall back in 2008. However, after a couple of workout's with the Los Angeles Lakers, and some talk with the San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls, he still hasn't found a team.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders offers an interesting perspective, that goes toward Beasley not being totally desperate given the circumstances, and not just looking for a paycheck. Concerning the signing of Beasley, and whether or no the Lakers are still interested, Kyler responds:
"Hard to say what's gonna happen with Mike... he is still getting paid by the Suns so he doesn't have to take an offer that is not good for him and his camp understand he can't sign somewhere and get cut or he's finished. So its not about take the job, its got to represent a real opportunity or it will be a negative.
He may wait for an injury or a roster to change by trade or someone getting cut.
The Lakers usually keep the final roster spots non-guaranteed and I don't think Beasley agrees to that unless he's assured to get a chance and I am not sure the Lakers are willing to do that."
Beasley put up 7.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 55 games last season, but his points per time on the court still ranks him as a top 50ish scoring threats. Although he wasn't much to be feared on defense, he shot 49.9% from the floor, 38.9% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free throw line.
With those numbers, you have to believe someone will try and fill the last roster spot with him, if he is willing to make a deal.
So although the Lakers might not make a deal, Maybe the team that chose Derrick Rose over him in the 08 draft might take a chance on Beasley. Rumor has it the Bulls are interested, but other sources point to Beasley landing in San Antonio.
The Spurs have made some weird pick ups in the past that have worked out great, so that situation might be great for Beasley and the team. Also, they have not been able to work a deal with big man Aron Baynes for the final roster spot, so it could be a real opportunity Beasley. No doubt the team is well coached, so if Beasley responds well to coach Gregg Popovich, then it could rejuvenate his career, while truly establishing Coach Pop as arguably the greatest coach ever. He could add Beasley to his list of player's he has helped achieve great potential, and he could help the Spurs continue to achieve against the odds.
