The two-time defending champion Miami Heat have re-signed forward Michael Beasley, the player they drafted No. 2 overall in the 2008 NBA draft, according to ESPN.
Beasley became a free agent after the Phoenix Suns severed ties with him last month following his third run-in with police in the one year he was with the team. Beasley averaged 14.3 points per game in his first two seasons with the Heat, before being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010.
According to ESPN, in bringing back Beasley Heat president Pat Riley simply asserted "he can help us."
The Suns were of that same mind before Beasley was arrested earlier this summer on charges of felony marijuana possession of drug paraphernalia, ESPN reported. In late January, the website previously reported he was cited for multiple driving violations, including driving 70 mph in a 45-mph zone. Beasley was also found to be traveling with a loaded revolver and the Mercedes he was driving did not have a license plate. Just last May, he was implicated in a sexual assault case but was never charged. News reports indicate that case remains open.
In the most recent incident, Beasley was taken into custody after police stopped his vehicle for a traffic violation and smelled marijuana emanating from the car. A search of the vehicle, which was later impounded, allegedly turned up marijuana in the driver's area.
Yet, ESPN reports several key veteran Heat players are now convinced they can steer Beasley in the right direction. With a roster that already includes the Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Beasley is not expected to be under much pressure to heavily produce right away, yet will be able to benefit from the reality of competing and learning from three of the biggest stars day in and day out.
But talent has never been the issue with Beasley, and after being cut by the Suns ESPN reports he had his pick between the Heat and the Lakers, two of the league's most marquee franchises, as to where he would next play.
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