PHOENIX SUNS

Gentry: ‘We have to find a way to get Beasley consistent’

Dec 5, 2012, 9:43 PM | Updated: 9:45 pm

When the Phoenix Suns decided to give Michael Beasley a second shot at being an NBA starter, they hoped they were getting the dominating playmaker that made him the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Instead they’ve gotten an inconsistent forward averaging only 11.5 points and 4.1 rebounds through the first 19 games of the season.

Speaking with Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo, Suns head coach Alvin Gentry gave his take on what he thought would help Beasley turn his season around.

“We have to try and figure out a way to get him consistent and he’s going to have to help us in that area too,” said Gentry. “We just have to continue work with him to get him better at what he’s doing. That’s why we’re here.”

Gentry went on to shoot down the notion that his forward’s self-confidence had been shaken and added there was no time for Beasley to begin to feel sorry for himself, especially in the NBA.

“Obviously the thing about the NBA is you don’t have a whole lot time to think about it because tomorrow night we’re going to be lining up and playing a Dallas team that’s pretty darn good,” said Gentry. “He’ll get another shot of redeeming himself and being consistent and making the plays that will help us win games.”

When asked about Beasley’s role within the Suns organization over the next few years, Gentry said he saw Beasley becoming the offensive playmaker everyone expected coming out of college.

“I think he can be a facilitator, I think he can be a guy who makes plays for guys and I think he can score for us,” said Gentry. “I think that’s kind of what he is. He’s a scorer, not a ‘drive to the basket and crash guy.’ He’s just an in between guy that can score and put the ball in front of him and that’s what we’re expecting from him.”

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

17 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

21 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Gentry: ‘We have to find a way to get Beasley consistent’