Former college standout and second overall pick Michael Beasley is at the tail-end of his career. A career, that many would say is a story of unrealized potential. The 29-year-old is now with the New York Knicks — the sixth team he's played for in 10 seasons.

Most NBA fans know his story. Controversies outside the court have hampered Beasley from getting the multi-million dollar deal that a player of his caliber deserves. As reported by Leo Sepkowitz of Slam Online, His coach Jeff Hornacek knows Beasley as a smart and a very talented player.

“He’s engaged in practice; he talks with the guys. He’s a smart basketball player—a smart person. You talk to him, you realize it. He really understands the game, and some of the stuff he does is just effortless.”

As reported by Ian Begley of ESPN, several coaching staff of the Knicks echoed Hornacek's statements:

“He scores like the rest of us breathe; he's unbelievable,” one member of an opposing coaching staff said. “I always say that if there was a one-on-one tournament, make it, take it, I'm going with Beas.”

Many have counted Michael Beasley out. Yet the people around him have continued to praise his game. He may be at the tail-end of his career but this hasn't led him to give up. Beasley knows that he's good.

“In my mind, if I was the focal point of a team, we would be top-four, top-five [in the League],” Beasley says. “Not to say I’m better or worse than anybody else, but just kinda to say that I’m a lot better than a lot of people. Not in a negative way,” he says, laughing. “I don’t disrespect anybody’s game. But at the same time, I want respect for mine.”