Monday, December 31, 2007

Michael Beasley - NBA Draft Prospects

Numbers: 26.2 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 1.3 spg, 53% FG, 38% 3's, 77% FT.

About Him: After what Kevin Durant did last year, did you think you would ever see a freshman come in a be MORE dominating, let alone the next year? Beasley has once in a generation-type talent. Where do I start? He is can score any way you can think of. He has three-point range. He can finish equally well with either hand. He can score on the block (although his post game is still developing. He got a lot of his baskets using his advantage with strength, athleticism and long arms, something that won't be as much of an advantage in the league.) He can put the ball on the floor and go by bigger defenders. He gets a ton of easy buckets off of offensive rebounds - he is a monster on the glass. He is also an underrated defender, averaging more than a steal and a block per game. He definitely has all the skills and tools that you look for in an NBA forward (he can probably play the three or the four, but right now he is much better defender in the post). The question with Beasley is his motivation. With how smooth his game is and his lack of emotion, it sometimes looks like he is coasting.

Comparisons: Carmelo Anthony, Rasheed Wallace, Derrick Coleman.

Bottom Line: Beasley has all the tools to be a sure fire all-star for years to come, if he wants it. I think he does. Beasley probably will be the top pick in the draft.

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