Breaking Down, Building Up

Forget, for a second, about the fame and fortune that come with being the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

Dismiss, for a moment, the care-free nature and playful demeanor that define him.

Put aside, if you will, the fact that the future of the franchise rests partly on his 19-year-old shoulders.

The simple reality is this: It just ain't easy being Beasley.

That's the message Heat rookie forward Michael Beasley was trying to get across after Friday's practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. And it's a humbling process for a man-child who owned the college basketball world last season as the most productive player in the nation.

But things have since changed drastically for Beasley.

Never before has Beasley been expected to play - I mean really play - defense. Never before has he grasped the proper technique required to draw an offensive foul. And, as a result, never before has he had the best seat in the house - while in uniform - during crunch time in basketball games.

But here Beasley stands. Or sits, depending on the view. Beasley has seen his playing time dip to near Mark Blount levels the past two games. Early foul trouble and late defensive lapses were the cause.

After meeting with Beasley before Friday's practice, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the rookie forward responded with one of his better workouts and seems more focused, that he wants to do better.

"He's not out of the rotation," Spoelstra deadpanned.

Beasley has a diverse arsenal of offensive moves. But he's defensively deficient. And he knows it. He's also accountable and humble, at least publicly. And he showed that side of himself Friday.

"It's hard, man, especially with me being so young and new to the league," Beasley said. "I've already played 12 games. Last year, in college, (the) 12th game came in January. You can have all of the physical attributes. But if you don't have it up there (pointing to his head), it doesn't really mean anything."

Of course, Beasley was being a bit too hard on himself. And Spoelstra, who demands accountability, appreciated every minute of it. But Spoelstra also knows that this is a fragile situation, which is why he was careful to point out just how far Beasley has come defensively since he arrived in the summer.

Still, that only tells you just how bad, really, Beasley's defensive fundamentals were. Keeping up with the power forward at Baylor in the Big 12 is a lot different than guarding the one in the NBA at Boston.

So much attention has been paid to Beasley's defensive struggles that he's become a target of opposing teams, who have simplified their sets to simply getting the ball to whoever Beasley is guarding.

"I think so," Beasley said, when asked if he believes he's being picked on. "But other rookies before me and other rookies now are getting the same treatment."

But that won't last too much longer, Beasley insists. He'll learn faster. He'll be more hungry. He'll grasp - and execute - the team defensive concepts.

Beasley better, for his sake.

Because it should be obvious from Beasley's view on the bench late in games that Spoelstra has quickly run out of places to hide him on the court.

Comments

[Sharapaho]

He'll improve in time, he's 19 and has plenty of room to learn.

Now with the Knicks, looks like LeBron is probably gonna end up there. Hopefully D-Wade doesnt follow suit and end up there too, they have plenty of cash for two super stars now. The Heat need to make a move now and keep Wade happy.

[heatstroked]

I'm surprised and encouraged for Spo *and* Beasley.

I think Spo has gotten as much anyone can out of Beasley while Beasley continues to develop *without* recklessly, needlessly sacrificing Ws.

Starting Beasley helps the team (scoring, offensive pace) and helps Beasley (matchup experience, exposure to opposing systems, initial focus without crunchtime pressure to compound mistakes).

Sitting Beasley helps the team (crunchtime defense, critical stops, ball control) *and* helps Beasley (how to stay on the floor, how to d without fouls, when/where to attack, how best to help/complement Wade, frontcourt teammates).

Fact: As bad as Beasley looks sometimes on defense (lost, out of position, missed rotations, beaten on the post or off the dribble drive), you can *see* consistent effort despite inconsistent results and -- he isn't the *only* frontcourt teammate getting beaten on a regular basis (ahem UD).

Beasley wants to win as much as anyone. If Beasley cultists (Winderman et al) can't see the forest for the trees (blaming Spo for doing what *any* coach would do to manage Beasley's growing pains), that's *their* problem.

I like what I "hear" from Beasley. If he backs it up -- extra drills to improve his defensive wheels, i.e., lateral quickness, extra video study of opposing teams/players to improve defensive anticipation, extra practice time given willing teammates to improve the "science" of rebounding, e.g, timing, positioning, ball trajectories/geometry -- he'll find all the minutes he/we expect from a #2 pick in the draft.

[cp12]

Whatsup Heat blog crew.

I have to come out of the woodwork to comment about there being way to much bitcheeng in here.

It's simple why the Heat has fallen back to earth the last few games...

We need to get off Beasley's back and let him return to his comfort zone.

You know his comfort zone, right?

The one where he starts hitting fadeaways at will in peoples faces.

That comfort zone.

The one you saw in the first preseason game.

Spo's gotta get him there.

This team has potential to make a little noise.

[cp12]

I copy/pasted that last comment...
theres no bitcheeng in here as of yet.

[Heat4ever]

Did you see the Pistons vs. the Celtics man Rajon Rondo took it to A.I. he had 18 points,was in the lane all day and didn't have to deal with any on the ball pressure from Allen Iverson Mr. Practice himself. Point is A.I. is number 3 in points per game all time yet he has no ring. The only time he came close was Larry Brown and Mutombo on his team. The point is Beasley can be like Dirk, Zach Randolph or Antawn Jamison (great stat guys and fantasy players). Or like K.G. or Tim Ducan (5 championships between them). His defensive development starts now when he is humble and willing to work hard not when he's in his 30's and whyning about practice.

[JC]

This is outrageous!! I know the guy is a somewhat of a defensive liability but he can rebound and he has proven it at the college level and some at the NBA level but Spoelstra again is going about it wrong! First he wanted to prove Blount was good enough and not give Joel Anthony a chance, thank God he realized it soon...Now he thinks Daquean Cook hoisting up 3 pointers and missing most in the 4th qtr is the answer!! Geez, let the guy learn, if he's sitting down against the best players, Aldridge, Bosh, O'neal he'll not learn that it's tough and that he has to take it personal the next time he plays them...Bosh had 40 points against the Magic, you don't hear Van Gumby sitting down Rashard Lewis or Howard because they let him score!!! He'll take it personal when his contract expires and another team offers him money and Spo's still the coach....You don't see Rose or Mayo sitting down at the end of games.. It's all about learning and playing is the best way, it seems as if Spo is trying to tame the guy and not let him be himself out on the court.

[thejuandiggler]

Rose or Mayo don't have DWade on their team to close out games !
Beasley has been plenty involved, he has just been in foul trouble last 2 games.....stop over-reacting and look up the minutes prior to last 2.