Houston Rockets: Michael Beasley Heading Back to Clutch City

Welcome back to Clutch City Michael Beasley! According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Michael Beasley’s contract became fully guaranteed Monday afternoon by the Houston Rockets.

When the Houston Rockets signed Michael Beasley in early March, the move raised a few eyebrows amongst fans in Clutch City. At the time, a second chance in the NBA was nothing but a dream for the former All-American from Kansas State.

Originally drafted by the Miami Heat in 2008. Beasley’s NBA career was full of turmoil as his immaturity interfered with him reaching his full potential. Sad to say for a player who averaged 19.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in his third season for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011.

It seemed that his NBA career was over, Beasley took his pro basketball career internationally to China. During his one year stint with the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association, he was honored as the league’s Most Valuable Player averaging 31.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 steals.

Despite his success overseas Beasley still yearned for a return to the NBA. With the Rockets in desperate need of a third scorer, Beasley was the ideal player.

Through 20 games, Beasley redefined his NBA career as a sixth man averaging 12.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. His surprise impact was enough to help the Rockets make a late postseason push to the playoffs.

Now with Dwight Howard gone and Donatas Motiejūnas‘ future uncertain. It’s easy to predict that Beasley will have a bigger role in Houston next season. A proven high volume scorer who can play both inside and outside, at 6’9 and 235 pounds expect Beasley to have his most successful year as a stretch four in Mike D’antoni‘s offense.

Although ecstatic about his return. There is one problem Daryl Morey has yet to solve with Beasley’s signing. Despite being one of the NBA’s worst defensive teams, it’s crazy that the Rockets have yet to upgrade their defense.

Throughout his career, Beasley is known to have a lack of focus on the defensive end. During his two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Bleacher Report‘s Danny Dukker once called Beasley the worst defender on the Suns’ roster.

So unless he takes the time to improve his defensive abilities this offseason, do not expect Beasley to have any impact on Houston’s defense.

With Clint Capela and Ryan Anderson most likely starting at the four and five. Beasley will still play an important role coming off the bench next season. In the same line up with Eric Gordon and Nene. Look for Houston to possess the league’s most exciting second unit in the league.

In the words of the classic television, sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. Welcome back, Michael Beasley!

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