Michael Beasley’s boss with the Timberwolves thinks the forward can help the New York Knicks replace some of Carmelo Anthony’s production.
One good thing that came out of Kurt Rambis’ disastrous tenure as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves was his apparent good relationship with New York Knicks forward Michael Beasley.The former No. 2 overall pick played some of his best basketball on those teams causing Rambis spearheaded the effort to bring his former player to New York.
The former general manager in Minnesota — David Kahn — says Rambis wanted Beasley in Minnesota and elaborated on how Beasley can help replace some of Carmelo Anthony‘s production as a scorer.
Via Marc Berman of the New York Post:
“If he’s being brought in to provide some offense if and when Carmelo leaves, you’ll have that (quality) because he can definitely do that,’’ Kahn said. “He can score. Kurt wanted the [Minnesota] deal badly. We needed scoring.
“I remember at the voluntary workouts before that season, Kurt being very excited at positions he could put him on the floor to score. His ability to score is undeniable with his terrific lateral movement and explosiveness. If they’re going to lose Carmelo, I imagine Kurt gave him a very positive review as a guy who can figure out how to get his shot up.’’
The 28-year-old told Ian Begley of ESPN that he considers Anthony a mentor. He wants to play with the ten-time All-Star, and the front office hasn’t told him anything about a trade.
Earlier this week he joined the fraternity of Knicks who’ve worked out with Anthony’s trainer Chris Brickley.
Beasley signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum; one of many he’s signed during his career as a result of his many legal issues.