All-in with Michael Beasley

[Black Jesus]

I have been ragging on Beasley (not on the forums) all season. However, I am all-in in my support for him for the rest of the season. He made some spectacular plays last night and in the last week.

Let him know he is one of "the-guys", let him play the 4 and watch him do the rest.

Not a fan of his new 'do, that said.. who's with me?!

 

[Absolute Zero]

No. Thanks.

I predict he will soon be arrested for driving way over the speed limit without a license, caught with a gun without registration, and for not appearing in court on previous driving charges.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm not exactly sure when Beasley started to play well but it seems to have coincided with his new hairdo. If that's the case, the hairdo needs to stay.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I'm not exactly sure when Beasley started to play well but it seems to have coincided with his new hairdo. If that's the case, the hairdo needs to stay.

I really want him to do well but that price is just too steep!

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I really want him to do well but that price is just too steep!

Steve

You will get used to the curl on top of his head if he continues to play well.

 

[SweetD]

He has stepped up big in being a guy that can create hid own shot which is what this team was looking for. His help def has improved, but his man to man still stinks. I also like him coming off the bench, but Tucker is not going to be a long term plan for starting SF.

 

[BC867]

He has stepped up big in being a guy that can create hid own shot which is what this team was looking for. His help def has improved, but his man to man still stinks. I also like him coming off the bench, but Tucker is not going to be a long term plan for starting SF.

With O'Neal's health problem, the rotation now has Scola starting at PF, but coming out early to rest and return as backup Center. After Morris gets a little play at PF, he comes out and Beasley (who was either on the bench or at backup Small Forward) moves to PF.

The only good play from Beasley this season has been while at Power Forward. Undersized, yes. But so is Morris.

The Suns aren't about what it takes to win. Rather, what it takes to get the fans through the turnstyles while hoping for a high draft pick.

Playing Beasley primarily at PF seems to fit that scenario best for the rest of the season. Especially if he can be the closest thing we have to a go-to guy in the 4th quarter and a point-a-minute guy when he plays.

 

[AzStevenCal]

With O'Neal's health problem, the rotation now has Scola starting at PF, but coming out early to rest and return as backup Center. After Morris gets a little play at PF, he comes out and Beasley (who was either on the bench or at backup Small Forward) moves to PF.

The only good play from Beasley this season has been while at Power Forward. Undersized, yes. But so is Morris.

The Suns aren't about what it takes to win. Rather, what it takes to get the fans through the turnstyles while hoping for a high draft pick.

Playing Beasley primarily at PF seems to fit that scenario best for the rest of the season. Especially if he can be the closest thing we have to a go-to guy in the 4th quarter and a point-a-minute guy when he plays.

That's an easy accusation to make and let's face it, it's pretty much accepted around here. But, IMO, they will do what it takes to get fans into the arena because they have to, not because that's all they care about. I think they are committed to winning. Like most teams they are not quite sure how to go about it and again, like most teams, have to pursue on-court success while keeping a mindful eye on the dollars involved.

Steve

 

[BC867]

That's an easy accusation to make and let's face it, it's pretty much accepted around here. But, IMO, they will do what it takes to get fans into the arena because they have to, not because that's all they care about. I think they are committed to winning. Like most teams they are not quite sure how to go about it and again, like most teams, have to pursue on-court success while keeping a mindful eye on the dollars involved.

Steve

I didn't go deeply enough in explaining my opinion, Steve. Most seem to agree that the Suns losing and getting a higher draft pick will lead to ultimate winning, but the Front Office also realizes that they still need to win to draw fans -- not just at the games, but in public opinion, in the Press, TV revenue, etc.

It is not an easy situation. I couldn't root for the Suns to tank during the first half of the season but, now that it is clear that we are bad or worse in terms of squaring off against our competitors, a plan needs to be put into place that will fill all needs of a multi-million dollar franchise. I think we are saying the same thing.

 

[Errntknght]

He has stepped up big in being a guy that can create hid own shot which is what this team was looking for. His help def has improved, but his man to man still stinks. I also like him coming off the bench, but Tucker is not going to be a long term plan for starting SF.

His man defense gave off quite a pleasant odor in the Lakers game... I went back and rewatched most of his time on the floor just to make sure that was not a mistaken impression on the first watching. He was mostly on Clark and he helped off him a lot once it was apparent Clark was not going to make him pay for it. Clark had his least impactful game by far since his 'breakout' - not all Beasley but you have to give him some credit. He guarded Gasol some of the time and did a very good job - and he gave excellent help on him the rest of the time. He did a creditable job on whoever he got switched onto, too.

He got caught watching a few times but for the most part his help was not only timely but effective. He got back on defense most of the time but he failed to sprint when he should have a couple of times. Not great but compared to his earlier games a huge improvement.

I'm not entirely sold on Beasley yet, but I'm far, far more hopeful than ever before. Of course, you have to see a guy in the playoffs before you can render a judgement.

Whats interesting to me is that no one as much as hinted that his improvement was due to Hunter even though its coincided quite precisely with the coaching change.

In his postgame interview Tucker said (I paraphrase) it was simple with the new coach - if you don't play defense you don't play at all. He was clearly enthused about it. I think players like that kind of clarity - respect it, at least, even when they don't like it.

I guess I'm going to have to be the one to start an "All in for Hunter" thread...

 

[HooverDam]

I'm all in for playing Beasley 30+ minutes a night, mostly at the 4. I was so disappointed when the Suns got Scola because I knew he'd help them win a few too many games (but not really be a realistic playoff contender) and he'd limit Beasley's opportunities to play the 4. Give me heaping doses of Beasley at the 4 all year, make this is one last shot to put it together, and if it doesn't work out, lets go Ping Pong balls!

 

[AzStevenCal]

His man defense gave off quite a pleasant odor in the Lakers game... I went back and rewatched most of his time on the floor just to make sure that was not a mistaken impression on the first watching. He was mostly on Clark and he helped off him a lot once it was apparent Clark was not going to make him pay for it. Clark had his least impactful game by far since his 'breakout' - not all Beasley but you have to give him some credit. He guarded Gasol some of the time and did a very good job - and he gave excellent help on him the rest of the time. He did a creditable job on whoever he got switched onto, too.

He got caught watching a few times but for the most part his help was not only timely but effective. He got back on defense most of the time but he failed to sprint when he should have a couple of times. Not great but compared to his earlier games a huge improvement.

I'm not entirely sold on Beasley yet, but I'm far, far more hopeful than ever before. Of course, you have to see a guy in the playoffs before you can render a judgement.

Whats interesting to me is that no one as much as hinted that his improvement was due to Hunter even though its coincided quite precisely with the coaching change.

In his postgame interview Tucker said (I paraphrase) it was simple with the new coach - if you don't play defense you don't play at all. He was clearly enthused about it. I think players like that kind of clarity - respect it, at least, even when they don't like it.

I guess I'm going to have to be the one to start an "All in for Hunter" thread...

I'm partially (mostly) in on both these guys. I'm slightly more confident in Hunter's future than Beasley but that would change if it turns out that Hunter was in someway involved with a fire-Gentry-conspiracy. I don't believe he was but only because personal comments about the guy from peers do not paint that kind of picture.

Steve

 

[JCSunsfan]

If the hiring of Hunter is what brought about this change in Beasley, and Blanks perceived that and made that move, well, (ahem, cough) I have to give him credit. I have always not like Blanks, and I did not like the Gentry firing. But its beginning to look like Gentry was more DAntoni (I don't get paid to develop rookies) behind the scenes than we thought.

THAT mentality has put the Suns in the hole they are in today. And if THAT is what Gentry was continuing in a little less overt way, then he HAD to go.

 

[BC867]

...Tucker is not going to be a long term plan for starting SF.

Tucker has become the defensive stopper that Grant Hill was. Every team needs one in the starting lineup. As he continues to improve his offense, the only coach who wouldn't be inclined to keep him at starting SF is now coaching the Lakers and that's their problem.

I appreciate what P.J. Tucker is accomplishing in the starting lineup of our unbalanced Suns.

As I posted before, it never ceases to amaze me how many posts consider offense but not the other half of the game -- defense.

 

[Black Jesus]

Beasley is back to the beast tonight.. 1-11!

 

[AzStevenCal]

Beasley is back to the beast tonight.. 1-11!

Yeah, but at least he's working hard at the other end.

Steve

 

[BC867]

Yeah, but at least he's working hard at the other end.

Steve

It is good that we try to stick by our own, but Beasley has shown us that he will never be "good enough", let alone "the man".

I know he comes from a different culture than most of us. Dennis Rodman would make you laugh just watching him, but he backed it up with skillful basketball. Unfortunately, Beasley is all show and very little substance.

P.J. Tucker, The Junkyard Dog -- they're fun to watch. Beasley is not.

I must tell you that I got a kick out of Annie comparing Tucker to Grant Hill, which had crossed my mind and I ironically posted earlier today. Participating from my living room. Wow!

 

[AzStevenCal]

It is good that we try to stick by our own, but Beasley has shown us that he will never be "good enough", let alone "the man".

I know he comes from a different culture than most of us. Dennis Rodman would make you laugh just watching him, but he backed it up with skillful basketball. Unfortunately, Beasley is all show and very little substance.

P.J. Tucker, The Junkyard Dog -- they're fun to watch. Beasley is not.

I must tell you that I got a kick out of Annie comparing Tucker to Grant Hill, which had crossed my mind and I ironically posted earlier today. Participating from my living room. Wow!

I disagree, I think it's too early to give up on Beasley. Don't get me wrong, I think the best time to give up on him was BEFORE we acquired him but now that we have him, we need to exhaust every possibility. I wouldn't feel that way if it would really cost us to try and bring him along but we're clearly in a throwaway year. If we had another young player with lots of untapped ability sitting on the bench because of him, I'd feel otherwise but we don't.

Steve

 

[JustWinBaby]

If the hiring of Hunter is what brought about this change in Beasley, and Blanks perceived that and made that move, well, (ahem, cough) I have to give him credit. I have always not like Blanks, and I did not like the Gentry firing. But its beginning to look like Gentry was more DAntoni (I don't get paid to develop rookies) behind the scenes than we thought.

THAT mentality has put the Suns in the hole they are in today. And if THAT is what Gentry was continuing in a little less overt way, then he HAD to go.

Everyone makes this statement.

D'Antoni(I don't get paid to develop rookies)

It is so much crap it is unbelievable and everyone recites it like it is the gospel.

Explain: What rookies that were worth a hoot that D'Antoni didn't play?

Explian: What rookie is Hunter playing extended minutes?

You cannot answer either of those questions with any valid player names, expecially the first one, because they we had no quality rookies when he was coach. The potentially good ones were all traded away to save money by Sarver. As a matter of fact name one rookie that he didn't play that is still in the NBA.

I am waiting.

D'Antoni has his faults but this is not one of them. Most of his first seven players in New York, prior to Melo, were rookies and they all are still playing active roles around the league.

How well are Alando Tucker and Strawberry doing in their careers in the NBA. They were probalby his most talented rookies while in Phoenix.

 

[HooverDam]

Everyone makes this statement.

D'Antoni(I don't get paid to develop rookies)

It is so much crap it is unbelievable and everyone recites it like it is the gospel.

It also misses the point that D'Antoni, as always, was being funny. Most people on this board are too slow witted too appreciate D'Antoni actually being a candid, interesting, dry, sarcastic person.

The team was in "win now" mode at that time, and while they could've had rookies worth playing (Deng, Iggy, Rondo, etc), they didn't end up with them, so its moot. Thats on Byran Colangelo, Steve Kerr, Robert Sarver, and yes Mike D the GM, who should've never been made GM. Talent evaluation and front office skills were obviously not his strong suit.

 

[JustWinBaby]

It also misses the point that D'Antoni, as always, was being funny. Most people on this board are too slow witted too appreciate D'Antoni actually being a candid, interesting, dry, sarcastic person.

The team was in "win now" mode at that time, and while they could've had rookies worth playing (Deng, Iggy, Rondo, etc), they didn't end up with them, so its moot. Thats on Byran Colangelo, Steve Kerr, Robert Sarver, and yes Mike D the GM, who should've never been made GM. Talent evaluation and front office skills were obviously not his strong suit.

Agree - on all points - thank you

 

[Errntknght]

Wait a minute. Mike did not make his infamous statement in reference to rookies that he had on the team, he made it in reference to the rookies he would have had been responsible for developing if the team had not disposed of all their first round draft picks and most of their second round picks as well. He may have thought he was being humorous but it was painfully true.

Nice try at revising history...

 

[AzStevenCal]

Tucker has become the defensive stopper that Grant Hill was. Every team needs one in the starting lineup. As he continues to improve his offense, the only coach who wouldn't be inclined to keep him at starting SF is now coaching the Lakers and that's their problem.

I appreciate what P.J. Tucker is accomplishing in the starting lineup of our unbalanced Suns.

As I posted before, it never ceases to amaze me how many posts consider offense but not the other half of the game -- defense.

I'm hoping that the day will come when I can toss this back your drection. I don't think Beasley will ever become the goto scorer we'd like him to be. He has a fragile psyche and that will always hold him back a little IMO. But, he has shown glimpses of being an excellent defender. If he can truly buy into it, I could see him easily earning his contract as a defensive stopper to go along with his occasional good scoring nights. I'm not saying he will but, despite his incredible defensive lapses, I think he shows more promise on that side of the ball.

I've about reached the same point with Gortat. I don't think he's physically soft, I think, like Michael, he too has a fragile psyche. Maybe I'm not using the right words but whatever you want to call it, he's far too concerned about the way he's perceived out there. When he throws a bad pass or misses an easy shot or gets lost on defense, he feels the need to make sure the world knows he regrets it. The best players put that behind them instantly but it lingers with him. I think it's time for him to focus on becoming a defensive stalwart too.

Steve

 

[BC867]

it never ceases to amaze me how many posts consider offense but not the other half of the game -- defense.

Yeah, but at least he's working hard at the other end.

Which is why I appreciate your posts. You refer to both ends of the court.

 

[Phrazbit]

If the league made screens and ball rotation illegal then Beasley could become a passable defender. When Beasley is engaged he can cover his man while his opponent has the ball. But he is utterly hopeless at defending screens and dealing with rotations. When faced with a screen, especially off the ball, you'd think he has never played basketball before. Some of it is because he is lazy but mostly its because he is just stupid.

The guy shows flash here and there but you cant fix stupid, especially when its combined with lazy. His barrage of long 2s with a foot on the line, his shockingly bad turnovers that occur more than once per game and his total lack of awareness defensively when asked to do anything but cover his man... these are issues that go beyond coaching or just being raw. The dude is an idiot.