Why Did Ex-Knicks Star Michael Beasley Leave the NBA After 10 Years?

Drafted 2nd overall in 2008, Michael Beasley was considered one of the best college basketball players of his generation. His talent was undeniable, but his career turned into a winding road, bouncing from team to team. After his last stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, he even took his talents overseas, playing in China and Brazil. Even as recently as last year, the 35-year-old was holding out hope for another NBA opportunity.

During an interview with the Boston Globe, Beasley shared his frustrations, saying, “If I had to answer that question [why I’m not in the league], I would have solved it a long time ago.” He admitted he wasn’t quite sure what went wrong but emphasized he was staying in shape, ready for another chance. That opportunity, however, never came.

Beasley’s NBA journey

Beasley’s NBA career had a solid start as he posted good numbers in his first two seasons, but the Heat traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves to make room for their iconic “Big 3.” In Minnesota, Beasley peaked, averaging 19.2 points in his first season with the Wolves. Unfortunately, that peak didn’t last long as he moved around the league, eventually landing overseas with the Shanghai Sharks in China.

He did manage a brief return to the NBA in 2016, playing for the Houston Rockets. After that, he bounced between the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers before heading overseas once again. Throughout his career, Beasley felt he didn’t get the same opportunities as other players. In a 2022 interview with HoopsHype, he opened up about this frustration, “Honestly speaking, I think people don’t disrespect but overlook what I’ve been able to do.”

Beasley further added, “If you look at my per 36 numbers for every team, they’re All-Star caliber.” His numbers certainly back up his claim, with 19.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per 36 minutes across his career. Beasley believes that, with more minutes, he could’ve lived up to the hype. Sadly, the opportunity to prove it may never come again.

Playing through a family crisis

It’s easy to label an athlete by a few on-court mistakes, but for Michael Beasley, there’s always been more beneath the surface. He’s often misunderstood, painted as a guy with “brain fade” moments, like the infamous incident where he forgot his shorts in the locker room before a game. Fans and media alike made him the butt of the joke. What people didn’t see was the pain Beasley was silently battling during that time.

When reflecting on that infamous short mishap, Beasley opened up, revealing the heartbreak he was carrying. “Off the court, my mom died when I was playing for the Lakers… my cousin died the game I forgot my shorts in Oklahoma,” he shared.

The harshest blow for Beasley wasn’t just the mocking; it was how relentless it felt. “The whole world laughed at me,” he admitted. All he wanted was to prove himself, to show the world the kind of player he really was. But the jokes kept coming, year after year, never letting him escape that one moment, leaving him feeling like the ridicule overshadowed his real potential.

Yet, even in his darkest moments, Beasley avoided making excuses. He didn’t want pity. His mother’s battle with cancer inspired him to stay strong. “I don’t like pity… she was being strong. I was trying to be strong,” he said. Beasley hoped the jokes about his shorts would eventually fade, but they stuck. “I thought it would die over… that sh*t didn’t die,” he confessed.

Michael Beasley urges advocacy

Back in March 2022, Michael Beasley sat down for what was supposed to be a basketball-focused interview on The Pivot podcast. Hosted by former NFL players Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark, the conversation quickly took a turn toward Beasley’s personal battles, shifting away from the court and into the depths of his struggles.

Reflecting on that moment, Beasley said, “I think that interview just struck a nerve, and you got what you got.” For him, it was part of the journey of trying to separate himself from his public persona as a basketball star. The weight of being constantly judged by what others see can be overwhelming, but as Beasley put it, “It comes with the territory.”

Now, Beasley is using his story to help others who might be going through similar struggles. He encourages people to be open about their feelings. “It’s OK to ask questions. It’s OK to be curious,” he said in an interview with CBS Sports. His message is clear: it’s fine to feel frustrated or sad, and it’s important to take the time to understand those emotions.

At the heart of Beasley’s message is the reminder that everyone’s struggles are valid. “You’re worth it,” he emphasized, urging others to remember they’re not alone. We all face challenges, but it’s crucial to talk about them and lean on those willing to help.