With the Miami Heat scheduled to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, it brings back a lot of memories to their team officials especially about the 2008 draft.
The South Beach team owned the second overall pick that year and used it to select Michael Beasley in an attempt to pair him with Dwyane Wade and turn their fortunes around after coming off a 15-win season.
Team president Pat Riley recently talked about drafting Beasley over Russell Westbrook, who is now one of best players in the NBA, and admitted they made the wrong decision.
“We missed on that pick in Michael Beasley. I mean, we didn't really miss on it. But the best player was Russell Westbrook.”
Beasley did not turn out to be the player the Heat wanted him to be and got involved in a lot of controversies off the court. He only lasted two seasons in Miami and was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat went on to build their “Big Three” and appeared in four straight Finals appearances, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
Westbrook is currently on a tear and is now on pace to average a triple-double for the entire season and replicate the feat done by Oscar Robertson back in the 1961-62 season. He is widely considered one of the elite guards of the league and is an early favorite to win the MVP award this campaign.
If there's one thing certain, the Heat will feel more regret on Tuesday when they see Westbrook play up close once again, especially if he goes on to produce incredible numbers against them.
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