Michael Beasley for MVP?

By Christopher Sells
10.1.2008 - Updated on 10.1.2008

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/]

9 Comments: Michael Beasley for MVP?

Posted by
Lyrical Gangster
on 10.1.2008

I want to be MVP or win the title = Confindence * I will be MVP or should be MVP = Arrogance.Every good player in the league wants to be MVP. Nothing wrong with aiming so high for a rookie. It’s just too bad 29 teams doesn’t have Beasley !! .

Posted by

on 10.1.2008

ye boi beasley is a beast .

Posted by
LJ
on 10.1.2008

See the guy is prone to injury. I estimate he plays 55 games this season. But his teammate BR played somewhere around that amount and still got, granted that was a weak draft class .

Posted by
C.Y. Ellis
on 10.1.2008

The second I posted that comment, my news feed updated with a report of Oden rolling his right ankle. I should qualify my RoY prediction by saying that it stands only if G.O. stays healthy. If not, it’s between Mayo and Rose. .

Posted by
C.Y. Ellis
on 10.1.2008

Oden might have had a rough time in the preseason last year, but he’s smart enough to adjust to the NBA game before long. He’ll foul out a lot early in the season, but I imagine he’ll hit his stride when other rookies hit the wall. He’s still my favourite to win the award. .