Under The Microscope: Michael Beasley Part II, Under the Lights

Each Wednesday, the second part of our Under The Microscope series looks at a different player in the National Basketball Association and examines them in the context of a game that week. Last night the Miami Heat lost to the Nuggets in Denver, and we kept track of Michael Beasley. Here's a look at how Beasley's night ended up. You can read part one of this week's UtM here.

Final Line: 20 min, 5-12 FG, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 TO, 4 PF

The Phrase Is: Tired Panda.

The Story Of One: Man, when Beasley said he'd hit the Rookie Wall, he wasn't kidding. Beasley entered the game early due to a few quick fouls on Joel Anthony. You know how some players have this aura of focus and determination from the first minute they step on the court (say, Derrick Rose, who I thought would not be as good as Beasley)? Yeah, Beasley's not that guy.

He started off with what became a running trend for the night, floating around the 18 foot elbow. For a guy who's earned more playing time due to his rebounding, he wasn't that concerned with it to start the game.

Then he found an opening on the baseline and nailed his first jumper. And it was like a car turning over. Suddenly he's sprinting down the court, hustling on defense, and pops off for 3 4 of 5, 10 points in the first. His jumper motion is a little slow, but man is it sweet when it's flowing.
Beasley suffered significantly on defense, particularly getting back on rotation off the double. His feet seemed to drag and were it not for some poor passing by Denver would have given up more points.

It took him several minutes to go to the dribble. He's clearly reliant on his left, and even then, had a ton of difficulty in the paint, finishing 1 of 3, losing the ball the other times.

Beasley's notoriously a practice fiend, and it's possible he's wearing himself out in practice. But that wouldn't explain his reticence to muscle up in the post. Nene Hilario knew the kid was hesitant and kept leaning into him, making sure he knew Nene was there. Beasley's rebounds mostly came in the in-between spaces, and he picked up several fouls on over-the-back.

I got tired just watching Beasley tonight. He wasn't just worn out, he seemed to have a ton of weight on him, which happens a lot as the constant travel starts to get to the rookies. In the third, Dwyane Wade lost the ball but got it back and as the defense was trying to get back, took it to the rack. The double came, and Beasley, who was on the wing, stayed where he was instead of driving to the rack as Wade assumed he would. As the ball sailed out of bounds, Wade spun on him and yelled "C'mon!." The rook hung his head. Wade gave him a little rub on the back of the head, but you can tell he was pretty upset. It did seem to work, though, as Beasley did play with more urgency. It wasn't enough, though, as he ran out of energy and faded before getting shut down for the rest of the game as Shawn Marion was having a particularly spirited night.

There's a particular joy to be found in watching a rookie's year. You find yourself imagining his progression, visualizing the player with an extra 15 pounds of muscle (or more, Beasley is only 19), more polish, and the confidence that's lacking. Even when they struggle, as Beasley did tonight, you see the bright spots, particularly his jab step 15 footer. And you can giggle at their limitations, such as Beasley's inability to pass while moving. It's pretty clear that he's got a bright future ahead of him, and tonight was one of those nights where the struggles are present, just as the future shines bright.