When Michael Beasley was drafted with the second pick in the 2008 draft by the Miami Heat many thought the Kansas State Wildcats forward would be a once in a generation talent, as long as he was able to keep his head straight.

Unfortunately for Beasley though he got himself into his fair share of trouble and it actually made him have to go overseas for a while.

There are a lot of people who still question what could have been, and for Kevin Durant, he actually feels that Beasley had as much talent as he did.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Jase Richardson, Noah Penda beside each other, Orlando Magic logo and explosions in the background
Orlando Magic 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickEnzo Flojo ·
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
The Grizzlies started their 2025 NBA Draft in aggressive fashion by trading up for Cedric Coward.
Memphis Grizzlies 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
NBA player Deandre Ayton in a LA Lakers jersey with the LA Lakers arena in the background, Deandre Ayton free agency contract buyout
Why Lakers must pursue Deandre Ayton in free agency after Blazers buyoutDavid Yapkowitz ·
Lakers' LeBron James shoots over Blazers' Deandre Ayton
Lakers fans already recruiting Deandre Ayton after buyoutJedd Pagaduan ·
image thumbnail
Golden State Warriors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickEnzo Flojo ·

“He is talented but there’s a certain thing that separates the talented from the way they play,” Durant told Mike Vorkunov of the Athletic. “And I think that’s something when Mike was playing around a lot when he was in the kid, I was in the gym. Know what I’m saying? The talent probably is the same but that’s something that’s different. Y’all can figure that out on yourself.”

Durant seems to be referring to the fact that Beasley always seemed to be in the wrong crowd and spent a lot of time doing things he probably shouldn't have been doing. For Durant, he used his spare time to be in the gym and to work on his craft.

If Beasley could have stayed on the straight and narrow path, Durant is probably right they did have the same talent, but that didn't happen so now Beasley will just be focused on where his next contract will come from this offseason.