The (Other) Rookie Surprise Playoff Performance
Headed into the playoffs we pinpointed Michael Beasley as the most important rookie of the playoffs, figuring that he has the power to swing the series in Miami’s favor if he plays up to his potential. B-Easy tried to establish himself early and often, but only ended up contributing to the blowout, as he shot 5-15 from the field.
So, aside from Derrick Rose‘s historic playoff opener against the defending champs, which rookie blasted out of the gates in round one with an impressive outing? Orlando’s Courtney Lee (18 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steal) was the most aggressive ball handler on the court for stretches of times, going hard to the rack past Andre Miller pretty much whenever he wanted. While Beasley settled for jumper after jumper in his playoff debut, Lee refused to settle (except for when he spotted up for a wide-open look). Lee looked like a point guard in a two’s body, offering a nice change of pace from Rafer or Anthony Johnson – two guys who don’t explode to the rim like the rookie does.
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April 20th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Dukesman2000 says:
Beasley is a joke. He is killing the Heat the same way he almost killed my Fantasy Squad
April 20th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Chaos says:
B-Easy is another guy who has all the physical tools and talent but really looks lost on the floor, especially on D and tends tro gun alittle mroe than he should (how daequan cook used to be)
April 20th, 2009 at 10:22 am
nerditry says:
Lee is Top 5 in speed in the league. Dude blows past just about anyone he wants and check the footage of the recent blowout against the Cavs.
On more than one breakaway, he gets past LeBron in the open floor and still converts the layup when James is trying his stay back and pin in on the glass move.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Taj says:
“Tha Bullfrog” Anthony Johnson got up and banged a couple cats early in that game… Who says he can’t explode to the rim anymore.. LOL!!!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
flavur says:
Beasly does look lost on Defense a majority of the time I think it will take another year or two before he is a real threat and he needs to also go inside instead of just taking jumpshots all the time because he’s not that good of a jump shooter.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:36 am
Dodge Taylor says:
Donyell Marshall is STILL in the league??!!