Michael Beasley's misunderstood greatness gets overdue spotlight from Carmelo Anthony's honest reflection
Once a top
NBA
prospect and now a BIG3 headliner,
Michael Beasley
's basketball journey has rarely followed the expected script. Despite being drafted No. 2 overall in 2008, Beasley's career was often seen as a story of missed opportunities.
But today, that narrative is shifting, thanks in part to NBA legend Carmelo Anthony's honest words about Beasley's real talent, words that are finally putting a long-overdue spotlight on his misunderstood greatness.
Carmelo Anthony puts respect on Michael Beasley's name
While the NBA world often focused on what Beasley didn't become, Carmelo Anthony is choosing to focus on what he is: one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation. During an episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, Anthony opened up about Beasley's rise in the one-on-one basketball scene and the respect he's earning.
'He really wanna play. He love to play and he love the game,' Anthony said. 'And I think now, you start to see him get that attention and the respect that he deserves.'
Beasley recently made headlines for his one-on-one win over former teammate Lance Stephenson, dominating the pay-per-view showdown 31–21. That performance not only showed Beasley's enduring skill but also gave fans a glimpse of what might've been if things had gone differently during his NBA career.
Carmelo went a step further, praising Beasley's sheer ability and expressing real confidence in him.
'I think now having the opportunity, get back out there on the court, showcase to a newer generation a newer game when it come to 1v1, he is that guy,' Anthony added. 'I would put my own money up on Beas against people … Beas is one of the most talented players to ever play our game.'
Michael Beasley finds his rhythm outside the NBA spotlight
Beasley may not have lived up to the franchise star expectations in the NBA, but his raw talent was never the issue.
Standing 6'9' and weighing 236 lbs, he was capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. However, a lack of consistent structure, guidance, and coaching early in his career kept him from unlocking his full potential.
S
till, his lasting impact can't be ignored. Eleven seasons in the league is no small feat, and his resurgence in the BIG3 and the one-on-one circuit proves that Beasley's love for the game hasn't faded.
The back-and-forth with Carmelo added fuel to a growing rivalry that fans now want to see played out. 'If y'all really wanna jump on my f--king line with that s--t, we can really do it. We can really do it,' Beasley fired back on the 3s and Ones podcast last month. 'No cop outs. Throw the f--king money up.'
Also Read:
Luka Doncic expected to sign long-term extension to stay with Los Angeles Lakers through prime years
If this matchup ever happens, it won't just be about pride—it'll be about legacy, and the chance for Michael Beasley to show the world what many NBA players have always known: the man can flat-out hoop.
FAQs
Did Michael Beasley play in the NBA?
Yes, Michael Beasley played 11 seasons in the NBA, showcasing elite scoring talent but falling short of initial expectations.
What did Carmelo Anthony say about Michael Beasley?
Carmelo Anthony praised Beasley as 'one of the most talented players to ever play our game' and said he'd bet money on him in one-on-one matchups.
Is a one-on-one game between Michael Beasley and Carmelo Anthony happening?
While no date is confirmed, both have publicly expressed interest, with Beasley challenging Anthony and fans eager for it to happen.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
23 minutes ago
- News18
From Wiping Floors to Calling Plays: Sacramento Kings' Dipesh Mistry's Rise To The NBA G-League
Last Updated: Dipesh Mistry's journey from playing basketball in Markham as a kid, to becoming a G-League head coach is one that reminds us all that basketball is for everyone. From playing basketball throughout his childhood for the sheer love of the game, to doing all the grunt work for his university team, to eventually standing shoulder-to-shoulder among the best coaches in the G-League, Dipesh Mistry's journey is a powerful example of how success often follows an unpredictable path. In fact, it's the kind of story we're used to seeing on the big screen. Now 32, the Canadian-Indian from Markham, Ontario, overcame what could have been the end of his basketball aspirations. Instead, he reinvented himself and steadily climbed his way to the professional ranks of the G-League. After not making the cut for Ryerson University's basketball team, Mistry spent two years doing the unglamorous, unpaid work—rebounding, doing laundry, wiping down floors—while learning everything he could. During that time, he found inspiration in people he could truly relate to, to keep his eyes on the prize. 'Eric Spoelstra was probably one of the biggest inspirations for me, you know. But also like even in my level, like Roy Rana was one, as an Indian coach. To see what he was doing at Ryerson, and to have him take me under his wing when I was 20 or 21, to show me how global basketball is and how big it can become for me too. I was very young, and I just kind of helped him out. So that was someone like close to home that I could actually see and be like, 'Oh, yeah, that makes sense. I could do it too.'" Eventually, he caught his break. Mistry's analytical skills first drew national attention when he joined Team Canada's women's basketball team as a performance analyst for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He later worked as a video coordinator with the men's national team. Then came the big league: the NBA. His initial NBA opportunity came while working under coach Jay Triano, the interim head coach of the Phoenix Suns in 2017. He brought Mistry onto the staff: a moment that launched his NBA career. In 2018, he joined the Atlanta Hawks as head video coordinator, eventually becoming a coaching associate and special assistant to the head coach by 2021. In 2023, he moved to the Sacramento Kings, where his relentless work ethic quickly stood out. Head coach Doug Christie saw his potential and supported his appointment as head coach of the Kings' G-League affiliate. 'When I was sitting on the bench during my first Summer League game in charge, it felt normal. But then, when like the first couple baskets went through and I had to stand up, that's when I really felt it. And I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. I thought that was an incredible moment for myself, but also for my family and for all the people and coaches who supported me. It's a moment I'll probably never forget." When the moment came, Mistry rose to it. He led a young, newly drafted roster to a standout showing in the 2025 Summer League, guiding them with a team-first approach that earned the Kings a place in the final against the Charlotte Hornets. Although the Kings fell short in the championship game, the experience was a personal win for Mistry. 'It's funny because Chris Gent, the (Charlotte Hornets' G-League team) coach on the other side. I was in Atlanta with him and I learned under him for three years. So, it was kind of coaching against someone who mentored me for a long time. It was a surreal experience as well." His journey, though, is far from over. 'Yeah, I think my younger self would probably be pretty shocked and be like, 'Wow, it actually happened'. Maybe he was onto something, you know? Maybe it was possible after all." As one of the few Indian-origin coaches operating at this level, Mistry understands both the weight and the honor of his role, while embracing the same to push himself further. 'It's just about just going through the process and, and going through the journey. However I do, I think it's an honor to be someone to look up to and be like, 'Hey, if he could do it, I could do it too. And he looks like me.'" Basketball is for everyone—and Mistry embodies exactly that. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : NBA view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett solid opening stand, Ben Stokes' fifer put England on top at Old Trafford
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett (Getty Images) MANCHESTER: In gloomy conditions at Old Trafford, India looked like they were going to do an encore of Gabba 2021. Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar's gritty 48-run partnership, against the new ball, started the fight on the second morning of the fourth Test. Rishabh Pant, coming back after retiring hurt on Wednesday evening, added 17 runs with a fractured right foot in an exhibition of indomitable spirit. The circumstances leading to Thursday morning resembled India's tour of Australia in 2020-21. The characters in play were the same. It all seemed to be going according to plan when India reached 358 battling against the likes of Ben Stokes , who had spectacular figures of 5/72, and Jofra Archer 's spell of 3/73. All that fight evaporated when the sun broke out as England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley plundered the Indian bowling for 166 runs in 32 overs. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! That opening partnership laid the foundation for England to finish the day at 225/2 in 46 overs, closing in on India's first-innings score in double quick time. India did rediscover some of the fight, claiming two wickets in six overs through Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Anshul Kamboj's dismissals of Crawley and Duckett, for 84 and 94 respectively. Jasprit Bumrah's late burst gave Joe Root a few nervy moments but it didn't yield any results. Captain Shubman Gill looked completely out of depth and appeared in no control of the proceedings. Gill and his bowlers will be desperate to turn a corner early on Friday morning or else they could see the match and the series running away from them very quickly with Ollie Pope and Joe Root batting on 20 and 11 respectively. India's seam bowling looked the flattest in the most favourable conditions in the series. How and why Rishabh Pant's England tour could come to an abrupt end due to toe fracture It's safe to say they played their most ordinary cricket in the series after the last two sessions of the first Test in Leeds. Bumrah was the only one who turned up looking at his usual best, but his good work was undone as Kamboj struggled to find any rhythm with the new ball. The nerves of playing a Test match kicked in and the 24-year-old Kamboj lost his line. He was significantly down on pace as well in his first spell. Once he leaked a few boundaries, mostly on the leg-side, it became a template. Mohammed Siraj, on the back of two good Test matches, too leaked runs on both sides of the wicket. Shardul Thakur, too, never settled down on a line and length. The outfield quickening up in the sun left the Indian bowlers with lesser room for error. It was like watching two different Indian teams on the field. When Archer removed Jadeja for 20 with the new ball at the score of 266/5 in the second over of the day, India's capitulation seemed a matter of time. The ball flew past the edges of the bats of Thakur and Washington. Like they did in Gabba all those years ago, the duo batted sensibly to frustrate Stokes and Archer. Stokes eventually worked out both of them, dismissing Thakur for 41 off 88 and Washington 27 off 90. And when Pant went about middling the balls he played, it seemed India had got the momentum going in their favour. India's resistance with the bat had managed to hurt England's ego in trying conditions. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
ICC may approve replacements for 'external injuries' soon
Rishabh Pant (Getty Images) MANCHESTER: Rishabh Pant 's foot injury on the first day of the fourth Test here has triggered a debate around the need for allowing like-for-like substitutions for external injuries. Pant going out to bat with a broken metatarsal made for a great story but it was a decision forced upon the team, since the playing conditions don't allow a substitute to bat or bowl. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is close to bring in a provision for likefor-like substitutions later this year, TOI has learnt. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'There is a chance that teams will get to bring in a replacement for serious external injuries. The matter is already under deliberation. A ratification is expected in the next ICC cricket committee meeting,' an ICC source said. How and why Rishabh Pant's England tour could come to an abrupt end due to toe fracture In June, the ICC announced that a 'replacement-player' condition would be trialled by the Full Members of the world body. 'A player who suffers a serious injury on the field of play any time after the match has started (including any pre-match warm-up period) may be replaced for the remainder of the match by a fully participating like-forlike player,' the ICC had said in a statement on June 25. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been vocal in his support of allowing proper replacements. 'Injury replacements should be permitted in Tests in the first innings of the game,' Vaughan had told BBC Sport two months ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Health: the best shoes to walk and stand all day Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo 'If there's a genuine injury in the first innings, it affects the game and the entertainment, which fans pay money to watch. The first innings is a good cutoff to make it fair.' India, after all, let go off a lot of runs when Pant was at the crease since he couldn't run fast enough to complete obvious singles. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
