Heading into his first season with the New York Knicks, veteran forward Michael Beasley has a chance to latch onto a significant role with the franchise.
Up to this point in his career, he hasn't exactly met up to the lofty expectations that come with being a No. 2 overall pick, but there is no shortage of confidence from Beasley that he's as talented as some of the league's best players, according to Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report.
“[It's] mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin [Durant], LeBron, I match up with the best guys in the world,” Beasley said. “I'm not being cocky; it's just always how I felt. But I got into trouble as soon as I got into the NBA, and it left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths.”
When Beasley first entered the league, he had immediately got off on the wrong foot with issues off the court that affect his play on it. This coupled with his inconsistent performance defensively only further exacerbated the situation to the point where he didn't receive a true shot at becoming a cornerstone player.
To his credit, the 28-year-old has been able to stick around the NBA and is coming off one of his most efficient scoring campaigns of his career. There may be some serious questions to if he's as talented as either James or Durant, but he has an opportunity to showcase his ability in New York this upcoming season.
Beasley is still in his physical prime and could carve out a significant role with the Knicks that may allow for him to display his talent.
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