Houston Rockets Daily Rocket Science: Beasley Mania

Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Michael Beasley (8) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Michael Beasley (8) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the Daily Rocket Science it’s hard to ignore the copious articles featuring Houston Rockets newest addition Michael Beasley.

Sure, Michael Beasley has been a revelation for the Houston Rockets, but I’m not sure it’s a good thing if the team puts all their marbles in one bag so to speak. Regardless, Beasley has definitely been making his presence felt and is paying immediate dividends.

Space City Scoops very own Andre Cantalogo was one of the first to jump on the Beasley effect pointing out how his presence had improved bench production and more importantly allowed James Harden and Trevor Ariza the opportunity to get additional rest:

But most of all he is a player that can lead a second unit, especially if it is a strong athletic one (with the likes of McDaniels and Harrell) and drive it on both sides of the court when James Harden sits. Just go ahead and watch the Rockets recent games or even the highlights above – Harden and Beasley are almost never sharing the court. He is a great bench player because he takes all of the pressure from Harden’s back and more: he embraces that pressure.[/

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Further Cantalogo’s article Credit Michael Beasley for the resurgence of the Houston Rockets’ bench offers great examples of what effect Beasley has on court for his teammates.

Dave Daniels of Rant Sports also offers an article on the ease with which Beasley has fit in:

The Houston Rockets raised a lot of eyebrows when they signed Michael Beasley, but he has already started showing that this may have been a wise decision. It seemed like a strange move at the time, because the Rockets were already dealing with chemistry issues surrounding Dwight Howard and James Harden. The trade for Ty Lawson didn’t work out last summer either, and Beasley hasn’t ever really been known as someone who helped matters in the locker room.

The Houston Chronicle’s beat writer Jonathan Feigen took a similar stance to SCS’s Cantalogo in his article focusing on the complete game of Beasley and provided this quote from Bickerstaff regarding Beasley’s versatility:

". To find a guy like that at this point in the season who can contribute as much as he has is rare,” Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “His talent is huge. He can do so many different things. You can also push his buttons and he can respond. The scoring for him is natural and that’s easy for him. Our focus with Michael is to get him to do all of the other things that he’s capable of on a consistent basis"

And it just wouldn’t be a typical Rockets day unless there was something negative occurring in the press regarding the team which unfortunately this time is a well earned story. For those who missed it last night in Atlanta, Dwight Howard rubbed ‘Stick-um’ on the ball and now the league is looking into it. It’s making National headlines and social media is abuzz with the story:

Here’s Space City Scoop’s article:

Houston Rockets: Dwight Howard in ‘sticky’ situation once again

And a host of other articles on the same subject:

DEADSPIN: Dwight Howard Cops To Years Of Stickum Use After Getting Caught With It Last Night

Yahoo Sports: NBA reviewing Howard’s use of sticky substance on hands

CBS Eye on Sports: Rockets’ Dwight Howard busted for using Stickum spray

Dime Magazine: Did Dwight Howard Get Caught Using Stickum Spray During A Game?

Houston Chronicle: Rockets’ Dwight Howard called out for using a Stickum spray

NBA Hangtime, Scott Howard Cooper offered: Report: Howard caught using Stickum

Howard on his Stickum: "I don’t know why people are making a big deal out of it. I do it every game. It’s not a big deal. I ain’t tripping.”

— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 20, 2016

And that’s not all the coverage,  just a sampling! Suffice to say this is only going to create more trouble in Houston for the Rockets when their priority should be trying to move up the standings so they can avoid the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs in the first round. And hey, for all NBA lovers if you happened to miss last nights clash of those 2 titans because you were watching the Rockets, make sure to go back and catch it today on NBA League Pass… it’s worth the view.

That’s if for today’s version of Daily Rocket Science, stick with Space City Scoop throughout the day for our updates, game articles and opinions on all things Houston Rockets.

Next: East Coast Trip sparks renewed hope

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