PHOENIX SUNS

Suns, Beasley looking for fresh start together

Jul 20, 2012, 7:47 PM | Updated: 9:30 pm

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.

Phoenix Suns

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards reacts after hitting a basket in the first half of Gam...

Associated Press

Anthony Edwards’ dominance continues as T-Wolves take Game 1 from Nuggets

Anthony Edwards scored a playoff career-high 43 points and the Timberwolves beat the defending NBA champion Nuggets in Game 1.

2 hours ago

NBA players Kevin Durant (L) and Draymond Green attend a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game betwee...

Arizona Sports

Draymond Green ‘baffled’ by James Jones’ claim on Kevin Durant not being maximized

Warriors forward Draymond Green saw Kevin Durant win two Finals MVP awards so it's safe to say he disagreed with James Jones' comments.

1 day ago

Ty Lue, Suns, head coach, candidate, Clippers...

Kevin Zimmerman

Report: Clippers want to retain coach Ty Lue as Lakers, and potentially Suns, have opening

The Los Angeles Lakers and, potentially, the Phoenix Suns would likely be interested in Clippers coach Ty Lue if he were to depart.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is it too early to call the Phoenix Suns’ Big 3 a failure?

After all the hype surrounding Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal at the beginning of the season, Wolf & Luke debate whether it's too early to consider the Big 3 a failure.

1 day ago

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham...

Associated Press

Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham despite 2 playoff appearances in 2 years

The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in charge that included a playoff appearance each.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant need to show their ‘passion and fury’

With Suns owner Mat Ishbia and general manager James Jones sharing their thoughts on the season, Dan Bickley wants guard Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to voice their opinions as well.

1 day ago

Suns, Beasley looking for fresh start together