Poe Posted December 23, 2009 Report Share Posted December 23, 2009 Angry Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley says he's no Tito http://media.miamiherald.com/smedia/2009/12/22/22/Bea12_Heatspurs_Dep_Hmg.embedded.prod_affiliate.56.JPG The key to Michael Beasley's recent consistency has been carved out of disrespect. Beasley has taken offense to what he believes has been an overwhelming amount of criticism aimed at the Heat from the media and national NBA analysts who question whether star guard Dwyane Wade has adequate help. With Wade struggling with his shot and playing through soreness in his back and wrist, the Heat carries a 13-12 record and an 8-8 mark at home into Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz to close out a six-game homestand. ``I read a Charles Barkley quote when he said we were a team full of Tito Jacksons,'' Beasley said after Tuesday's practice. ``I do not think that at all. Udonis Haslem is one of the best shooters [and] hardest-working rebounders in the league. And I think I can score with anybody in the NBA. It's not about saying it anymore. It's about doing it.'' Beasley has taken aim with his game. Having settled into his role as the starting power forward, Beasley has scored in double figures in 14 of the past 15 games. He already has eight 20-point games this season, well ahead of his rookie season's pace when he scored at least 20 on 16 occasions. Call Beasley improved. Just don't call him Tito, not that he's putting down one of the lesser-regarded Jacksons. ``Nothing against Tito; he's pretty talented,'' Beasley said. ``But when you put him next to Mike, it's not really a comparison. It's like saying Rick Fox is talented. But when you put him next to Mike Jordan, it's really no competition.'' Comparisons aside, Beasley just wants to show the league that he stacks up as a solid sidekick for Wade this season. Beasley is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points and seven rebounds. ``I'm mad,'' Beasley said. ``I feel like I'm not getting that respect. I'm not saying I've won a championship or I'm scoring 40 a night. It's just disrespect, to us as a team. I read daily how Dwyane Wade needs help and how he has no talent on his team. I strongly disagree. I'm trying to show not only my team but the league I can be relied on day in and day out.'' The Link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Posted December 23, 2009 Report Share Posted December 23, 2009 I remember being at the Boston game and right after a timeout was called Wade grabbed Beasley and started chewing him out telling him to show what he saw in practice all year. That really got to Mike because that Boston game was his breakout game. I love this guy. I truly believe he'll develop into the top player from that draft class. He's 2 right behind Brook Lopez IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poe Posted December 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2009 I love this guy. I truly believe he'll develop into the top player from that draft class. He's 2 right behind Brook Lopez IMO.I agree, actually. I've secretly wished the Heat drafted Brook Lopez, because at the time of the draft he seemed like the best option (Chalmers-Wade-Marion-Haslem-Lopez). Really, though, no matter who is on your team, you get the best player you can get. Beasley is looking more and more like that 2nd pick of the draft, and he may even turn out to be the best player. At just 20 years old, he's already averaging 16 and 7 and improving, and could probably even average 20 and 8 by the end of the season, which is a pretty big improvement to last year. Imagine how good he'll be just 2 years down the road, and the Heat already have Wade AND a potential all star in this summer's FA. I'll be honest, I didn't like him much at first, but he's grown to be one of my favorites. If he blasts off for 40 tonight, he'll be my new fave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted December 23, 2009 Owner Report Share Posted December 23, 2009 Well...he's not the "lead singer", so I'm not sure who else he wants to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poe Posted December 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 (edited) So this guy responds........ with a 5 point, 2 for 10 shooting game with only 5 boards... way to earn "that respect" and prove that you "can be relied on day in and day out". SMH. Meh.. I'll still remain optimistic about Beas. He'll gain that respect over time. Edited December 24, 2009 by Poe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted December 24, 2009 Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 I don't think he will be a star player or a player to lead a team. He's a second option at best. I feel like the heat have overachieved with the roster they have the past 2 years. Wade does alot for them but are not a deep team. An aging center, one solid role player, a young core (chalmers, wright, Beasley), players who are trying to get back at old form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Posted December 24, 2009 Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 I don't think he will be a star player or a player to lead a team. He's a second option at best. I feel like the heat have overachieved with the roster they have the past 2 years. Wade does alot for them but are not a deep team. An aging center, one solid role player, a young core (chalmers, wright, Beasley), players who are trying to get back at old form. lol He's 20 years old and poeple knew he would take time to develop. Not to mention he has a coach who has him on the shortest leash in the NBA. His offensive talent is absurd even though he had a bad game tonight. Just ask the Raptors if Beaz can't become something special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted December 24, 2009 Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 I have alot of faith in Bargs, but I don't feel like he can be the number one option because Beasley both play better out of their position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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