Troubled star give chance to prove himself after issues off the court.
The Miami Heat have re-signed forward Michael Beasley, with president Pat Riley confident that he can play a part to help the franchise win a third NBA championship.
The 24-year-old was traded by Miami to Minnesota back in July 2010, but has since struggled to deliver on the early promise he showed due to various incidents off the court.
Having enjoyed a productive first year with the Timberwolves, the No.2 pick in the 2008 draft then saw his numbers drop alarmingly and had since become a part-time starter with the Phoenix Suns.
Earlier this summer he was arrested in Arizona on charges of felony marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, but it appears that the Heat have faith that he can turn things around and get back to the level he showed in his early years in the league.
“Michael had the best years of his career with us,” Riley said as quoted by ESPN. “We feel that he can help us.”
Having already signed Greg Oden this summer, Beasley is the latest low-risk high-reward signing made by the defending champions who go in search of a third consecutive title this season.
Beasley is set to link up with his new team-mates at training camp later this month, and along with the likes of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, he is the seventh player on the Heat roster to have been selected at No.6 or higher in their respective NBA draft classes.
Nevertheless, he will be eager to now focus on increasing his fitness levels and concentrate on basketball after being handed a great opportunity to re-establish himself in the league.
COMMENTS