HoopsVibe

He thinks so. I'm sure just about everyone else is a little less optimistic about what he will accomplish during his rookie year for the Miami Heat. This is not to say that expectations aren't high for him in South Florida, but the MVP talk is probably just a little overboard.

"I want to be MVP, no disrespect to nobody," Beasley said Monday after the Heat's practice at American Airlines Arena. "I don't ever want to be second best. I feel I can walk down those steps to the locker room and be better than everybody else . . . I think going for rookie of the year is selling myself short."

Beasley should feel fortunate if he takes home the rookie of the year hardware. He absolutely has the talent to do it, but with the likes of Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, etc. also playing for the first time, it's not going to be an easy task. Of course, Beasley has Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion to help him with his goal, while most of the other rookies will have far less to work with.

One thing I do love about Beasley is his confidence. I'm not sure I'd classify it as arrogance, which so many people seem to be doing, but he certainly does think very well of himself and his abilities. He'll need to to become one of the best players in the league. Many have been talented enough to ascend to the level of the NBA's elite, but few believe enough in themselves to endure the criticisms and difficulties that accompany that status.

Count me in as believing in Beasley. Just not for MVP.

Not this year, anyway.

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/georgetownvoice/]