Beasley: 'Talent-wise, I match up with' LeBron, Durant
New York Knicks forward Michael Beasley has the utmost confidence in his ability as a basketball player, but will be the first to admit that he's taken some wrong turns throughout his NBA career that have prevented him from reaching his fullest potential.
In fact, the former No. 2 overall pick feels his name could be mentioned in the same breath as some of the greatest players on the planet had it not been for some of his personal wrongdoings.
"(It's) mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin (Durant), LeBron (James), I match up with the best guys in the world," Beasley said to Bleacher Report's Yaron Weitzman. "I'm not being cocky; it's just always how I felt. But I got into trouble as soon as I got into the NBA, and it left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths."
He got off on the wrong foot almost immediately back in 2008 when he was involved in an incident involving Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur at a hotel room that smelled of marijuana during the Rookie Transition Program. Beasley was eventually fined $50,000 as a result, and even checked himself into rehab one year later to seemingly address substance issues, although it was officially listed as being for his depression.
The now 28-year-old has other blemishes on his resume, including being pulled over for speeding with marijuana in his possession in 2011, and then again two years later with a suspended license and loaded gun in Phoenix.
The Knicks mark Beasley's sixth team (Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks), and third in the last three years. His one-year deal to compete in The Big Apple will pay him the veteran's minimum.
Weeks after his signing, Beasley alluded to his lack of opportunities as being the primary reason why he never reached superstar status, and that he wants respect for being "a walking bucket."
Over the course of 509 regular season outings, Beasley has averaged 12.6 points on 45.8 percent shooting and 34.7 percent from 3-point range, which comes out to 19.3 points per-36 minutes.