Michael Beasley: Sauve comedian or surly looney toon?

June 17th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

Initially, when the Bulls lucked into the first pick of the upcoming NBA Draft, I was sign, sealed and delivered on Michael Beasley. I had seen him enough during the college season to know the dude is an absolute beast, but he’s a beast with finesse and can hit the outside shot. He was the inside presence the Bulls had been missing for so long. (And he’s a lefty … just like me!)

But as everyone began to slurp Derrick Rose, it became apparent having a surefire point guard on your squad might be a better move both for the immediate here and now of this team, and in somewhat distant future as well. And don’t forget, Beasley played for and attended 33434334335 different high schools, so he has those dreaded character issues. (BUM BUM BUM.)

But it’s no secret the cat can bring in while talking to the media. To wit from an interview at the Berto Center after working out for the Bulls today:

-Asked about measuring 6-foot-8 at the pre-draft camp rather than his previously listed 6-10: “I’m a little disappointed to find out I’m actually a midget.”

-Asked if he can you succeed at the NBA level like he did in high school and college: “Depends if I like the coach.”

-Asked what he knew about other Bulls players: “They got one Jayhawk that I’ll have to work really hard to get along with.”

-Asked if he saw Bulls GM John Paxson play: “I’m not that old.”

[ … ]

What everyone really wants to know is whether the possible No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft has the potential to dress up in leather and be a fixture at Chicago’s Excalibur nightclub just as another Bulls power forward once did. (He even has a subtle Rodman look, doesn’t he?) They want to know if “personality” really means “mischievous.” They wonder if “curious” means “bound for trouble.”

[ … ]

That’s one interpretation. One scout recently said of Beasley, “If you look into his eyes, you’ll see Looney Toons playing inside his head.”

Whether or not the Bulls select Beasley come draft day, I’m definitely going to be following this guy’s career closely. If nothing else, he makes for perfect Free Darko fodder.