Michael Beasley insists his days of finding himself in the middle of strife and controversy are over.
After flaming out in Phoenix in just one season and being waived following a marijuana possession arrest, Beasley has rejoined the world champion Miami Heat, the team that selected him with the second overall pick in the 2008 draft. Not yet 25, the five-year veteran realizes this may be his last, best chance at reaching the NBA heights many once projected for him.
"I guess if you want to look at it that way," Beasley told Fox News when asked if he feels as if he's on a short leash with the Heat. " I'm just here to play basketball. I'm not going to be looking at not making mistakes or trying not to mess up. Just trying to do things the right way consistently and let everything fall into place."
The Heat and team president Pat Riley were willing to take a chance on the high-scoring forward because they know from experience he can provide the kind of off-the-bench firepower they will need to make good on their drive for a third straight title.
In teaming with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Beasley arguably gives the Heat an even deeper roster than they've had in their back-to-back title winning seasons.
Beasley says he chose to return to Miami because of a sense of belonging that he hasn't always felt with the two other NBA teams he's suited up for.
"I think that was a good 60 percent of my decision, just not having to deal with uncertainty," he told Fox. "This whole place is a world-class organization. At this point in my life and career, I didn't want to guess anymore. So this is the perfect place for me. It's definitely a blessing. I'm glad. I'm grateful that they still even care. It's a humbling experience coming from where I am. I've been through a lot, experienced a lot. I'm humbled. It's definitely humbled me. I'm definitely a different person."
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