Houston Rockets sign Michael Beasley

The Houston Rockets have signed former NBA player Michael Beasley.

While many in Clutch City won’t question the release of Ty Lawson or the signing of Andrew Goudelock earlier today, news the Houston Rockets have decided to replace Lawson’s roster spot with Michael Beasley may raise a few eyebrows.

The former number two draft pick spent most of his professional career in two stints with the Miami Heat with his career being remembered more so for his antics off the court and inability to translate his natural gifts on it.

Beasley who’ll join the team coming over from the Chinese Basketball Association is a bit of a quizzical signing, especially considering the current chemistry issues on the squad.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle confirmed the Rockets addition of Beasley via Twitter and originally reported by Marc Stein of ESPN.

Can confirm @ESPNSteinLine report. Rockets to sign Michael Beasley. deal for rest of season with team option for next season.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 2, 2016

During his stint in China Beasley played for the Shandong Golden Stars averaging 31.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 37.1% from deep and 54.0% from the field.  He started in 24 of the 40 games he played in averaging 36.5 minutes per game. (all stats via RealGM)

Last season while with the Heat he averaged 8.8 points, 3. 7 rebounds, 1.3 assists. 0.6 steals, 0.5 rebounds while shooting 43.4% from the field and 23.t% from deep in 21 minutes per game.

Again as per Feigen both Goudelock and Beasley were MVP’s of their respective teams. In addition J.B. Bickerstaff is familiar with Beasley having been on the Minnesota Timberwolves squad as an assistant coach during Beasley’s tenure there.

Between Goudelock and Beasley, Rockets adding two MVPs. Goudelock of the D-League, Beasley of the CBA. Beas played for Bickerstaff in Minn.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 2, 2016

Time will tell whether the numbers he achieved in Asia will remotely translate to the NBA court or whether his long standing issues with focus and commitment are things of the past.

And in the best tweet I’ve seen in weeks….

Also, you can never have enough Flying Tigers and Flaming Bulls.

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 2, 2016

It’s not like the Rockets will suffer given the deal (as per Feigen) is for the rest of the season with an option on next season, and at the very least he offers more size and depth as well as being a capable shooter and rebounder. The main query I have is how do you go from being a 23.5% three point shooter in 2015 to almost doubling that in China?

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