Following his recent arrest for maijuana possession, the Suns have waived Michael Beasley with the intention of giving the small forward his release. While another NBA team could theoretically pick up Beasley on waivers it is doubtful given the situation, and the ability to sign him as a free agent next week at a much reduced salary.
“The Suns were devoted to Michael Beasley’s success in Phoenix,” Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said in a statement released by the team. “However, it is essential that we demand the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. Today’s action reflects our commitment to those standards. The timing and nature of this, and all of our transactions, are based on the judgment of our Basketball leadership as to how best to achieve our singular goal of rebuilding an elite team.”
“We have high standards for all of our players,” said Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough in the same statement. “We expect them to represent the team and the community in a positive manner both on and off the court.”
The 24-year-old averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season, his fifth in the NBA.
He had his best season in 2010-11, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, when he put up 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. However he did so on 17.1 attempts per game that season. It is unlikely he’ll find another team willing to give him such a high volume of opportunities.
It will be interesting to see if anyone is willing to take a flyer on the talented but inconsistent Beasley, especially given his off-court issues at this point in time. Any team taking him on will have to hope that a fourth NBA team is the charm in helping him to find some semblance of a defensive game as well.
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Main photo credit: atlantablackstar.com, cc
