“BTW, every 10 seconds another person that can’t guard me comes into the world.” That’s the confidence that made Michael Beasley a #2 overall pick at the 2008 NBA draft. But like the #1 draft pick of that year, Derrick Rose, Beasley also never reached the heights that were expected of him. That does not mean it was all doom and gloom for the 6-foot-9-inch forward. By all accounts, Beasley reached his peak in 2010 while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, when he averaged 19.2 points per game. Beasley also had a decent stint in China, where he won the championship.
But there was one day when his talent shone as bright as the sun, and Beasley showed everyone why he was such a highly rated talent. On November 10th, 2010, the Timberwolves were playing the Sacramento Kings. The Timberwolves were in dreadful form coming into the match, having lost 36 of their previous 39 games. But against the Kings, Michael Beasley took the game by the scruff of its neck and scored a career high 42 points! Yep, you read it right! Leading the Timberwolves to a 98-89 win. But it turned out to be a bittersweet day for Beasley.
While appearing on the Common Denominator Podcast, Beasley revealed that his son’s mother went into labor just before the game against the Kings. He mentions,” I remember being so nervous at the time. My son’s mom called me right when we got on the team bus, and she was going into labor.” Beasley emotionally recalls feeling guilty for missing his son’s birth. “I remember feeling guilty, because you know, it was my first son and I wasn’t there.” He promised himself then that he would go and win the game for his son. ” I just told myself then, ‘bro we gotta win the’ and I ended up having my career high. So it’s something I can share with my son,” Beasley added, smiling.
Beasley also talked about managing money as a young player and spending it wisely, something he did not do as a rookie. He also opened up about his struggles with mental health throughout his career, and also urged other athletes to come out with their stories in order to end stigmas surrounding mental health. Beasley’s struggles with mental health can be traced back to his difficult childhood.
How did Beasley’s childhood shape him as an adult
Beasley was raised in a household where survival came before stability. His mother, Fatima Smith, worked on multiple jobs just to put food on the table for him and his four siblings. Beasley also had a very disruptive childhood, as his family constantly kept moving from one place to another. As a result he attended six different high schools – which meant he had to start over every time.
Beasley has also talked about the fact that he was not surrounded by the right people. “I conduct myself, but not one time [have I had the right circle around me],” Even when he reached to out to people, no would reply. “Every text message is left on read. Nobody would tell me what the right thing to do,” Beasley said. He added, “As soon as I do something, everybody will tell me it’s wrong. My whole life has been like that.”
Beasley always wanted learn and grow but he always lacked the right kind of mentorship. Even in the locker rooms, no one would discuss about these topics so Beasley had to suffer alone and in silence. Michael Beasley’s journey highlights the importance of right guidance, proper support and stability. Despite all this setbacks his honesty and resilience should be rightfully applauded.
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