It is hard to believe, but the 2008 NBA Draft is approaching the nine year anniversary mark. Remembering who went where and the state of the NBA at that time is a fun exercise to do, especially when a player from that draft is currently averaging historically good numbers. As a Cleveland Browns fan, I tend to look back on the numerous failed drafts and think what could have been. The same can be applied to the NBA and, in this case, the Miami Heat and Michael Beasley.
Chicago native Derrick Rose went to the Bulls with the first selection, a choice that had its ups and downs throughout his time in the Windy City. The Miami Heat had the second pick and selected Kansas State forward Michael Beasley, a selection that came nowhere near to meeting expectations. Some notable players who went behind Beasley included UCLA teammates Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love and Stanford standout Brook Lopez, all of whom have gone on to have better careers. Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, who was also a longtime Heat assistant, shed some light on the 2008 NBA draft and how different the evaluation process was between Westbrook and Beasley.
Fizdale tells it like it is and gives respect when respect’s due. Peep this story on Westbrook and Beasley from the 2008 predraft workouts. pic.twitter.com/MF9xD5fbyZ
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) December 29, 2016
Beasley’s career can be categorized as erratic. He has had three separate stints with the Heat and two others with teams in the Chinese Basketball Association. The off-court issues have also been a blemish. His first two years in the league were marred with marijuana involvement at the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program and a check-in at a Houston rehab center in 2009. These events do not mean Beasley’s career is in shambles. He has found an good role within the league as a valuable bench piece, both with the Houston Rockets last season and Milwaukee Bucks this year. While he will never live up to some of the players drafted behind him, it just goes to show just how challenging evaluating talent, in any sport, truly is.
