Suns, Beasley looking for fresh start together

Michael Beasley knows he has a questionable past.

Known for issues with marijuana, questionable effort and
unfulfilled
potential, the Suns’ newest player is coming to town with
a goal of turning around his career and becoming the
player many expected him to be when he was taken 2nd
overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.

“I’d like to thank the organization for believing in me
and giving me another chance,” Beasley said at his
introductory press conference Friday. “A better
opportunity to grow as a person and a player.”

As GM Lance Blanks said, this move provides a fresh start
for Beasley, but the Suns as well.

Because along with question marks, the 6-foot-10, 235-
pound forward
brings with him a diverse offensive game and
something to prove.

So the Suns, in need of scoring, viewed the 23-year-old as
the perfect place to start in free agency.

“Michael was the very first person that we visited at the
earliest possible moment in Los Angeles to begin our free
agency process,” Suns President of Basketball Operations
Lon Babby said. “He was a high-priority for us and we are
thrilled and delighted that he is going to be part of our
new beginning in Phoenix as we move forward.”

For Beasley, moving forward means leaving that checkered
past behind him.

He’s trying to do that by taking full responsibility for
the mistakes he’s made — including the drugs — which
is something that impressed the organization.

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