Michael Beasley looking forward to a new start with Phoenix Suns – NBA News
The first team from which Michael Beasley received a call when free agency began on July 1st was the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns did not waste any time to let the unrestricted free agent know about their plans to sign him, and after two meetings with their management, Beasley was sold to the idea of playing in the desert city next season.
The Suns signed Beasley to a three year deal worth $18 million as they look to move past the Steve Nash era and build a team that can get them back to playoff contention.
It will be a new start for the Suns, and Beasley likes the idea of a new start. Drafted number 2 in the 2008 NBA draft, Beasley has played two seasons each with the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last season, the forward averaged 11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Wolves, who opted not to pursue him in the free agency. He is now looking forward to taking a more central role in the Suns team.
“This is a new beginning for me in Phoenix. I’m excited. The Suns are a great fit for me. They look to get out and run some, which I’m accustomed to doing. The fans have embraced me and I look forward to contributing this season,”
said Beasley.
The Suns will start next season with quite a few changes in the roster. Nash will not be in the Suns line-up, and his position will be taken by Goran Dragic. In addition to that, Luis Scola, Kendall Marshall and Wes Johnson will
be forming the core of the new look Suns team.
Suns head coach Alvin Gentry is optimistic about the future and the arrival of Beasley.
“You can give him the ball and he either makes the shot or he makes the play that gets someone the shot. We need that person. It’s very seldom that you are able to acquire someone with the talent level of Michael,” said Gentry
during the introductory press conference of Beasley.
The player has been busy with his offseason training in Los Angeles, where he is working on his fitness as well as his game. Beasley is looking to gain a few pounds and improve his overall fitness, while at the same time work on
his jump shot and range.
He knows next season will give him an opportunity to make a mark in the NBA, an opportunity he has been waiting for many years.
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