The Phoenix Suns made the decision on Tuesday to part ways with small forward Michael Beasley after an arrest for marijuana possession over the summer raised yet another red flag. The move marks a disappointing end to a tumultuous tenure in Phoenix that included legal issues, a failure to get along with the coaching staff and a poor fit in the Suns' system.
NBA roundup news: Michael Beasley released, Ryan Kelly raises doubt in Laker-land
The Phoenix Suns made waves across the NBA on Tuesday by releasing the much-maligned swingman. Elsewhere, the Lakers’ lone draft pick is causing some concern.
Doug Pensinger
The team announced that it had come to terms with the former Kansas State star on a buyout that would increase the Suns’ salary cap room for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Before the agreement, he was owed $9 million in guaranteed salary over the final two years of his contract.
Beasley was the No. 2 overall pick in 2008 and showed plenty of promise coming into the NBA, but his behavioral issues overshadowed his ability to produce on the basketball court and forced the Suns to move in a new direction.
It stands to reason that if the Suns were willing to cut him, that he’s running out of opportunities in the NBA, even though he’s just 24 years old.
Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery, malicious destruction of property and witness intimidation on Tuesday after he allegedly pushed his girlfriend, grabbed her cell phone and kept her from calling the police as he pinned her down on the bed in an incident over the weekend.
The second-year big man turned himself in after spending the weekend in Ohio, where he starred for Ohio State, and is now out on $5,000 bail.
Last season, Sullinger averaged six points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Lakers doubting top pick’s health?
Ryan Kelly came to Los Angeles with a number of questions about his health when the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him with the 48th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, and the team isn't sure the former Duke Blue Devil will be ready to make the impact they hoped he would as a big man capable of stretching the floor.
According to ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers have doubts that the foot ailments that kept Kelly out of Summer League this offseason will heal in time for him to attend training camp. When he does get on the floor, the Lakers expect him to be able to stretch the floor with his ability to shoot from the perimeter at the four position, complementing head coach Mike D’Antoni’s system.
LeBron James is going to take his television production talents to the Starz network to serve as one of several executive producers of a new show called Survivor's Remorse.
The show aims to take an in-depth look at the unique circumstances surrounding individuals who overcame adverse surroundings to become successful. The world’s best basketball player will work with such industry heavy hitters as Tom Werner, the head of the Fenway Sports Group and noted investor who joined James’ bid to own Liverpool.
Being a part of such a project will allow LeBron to learn a new craft. He’s got the whole NBA superstar thing down at this point.
Sacramento Kings point guard Greivis Vasquez is making significant progress toward recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is walking without a limp. He's feeling better every day and remains on track to start the 2013-14 season with the Sacramento Kings.
Vasquez is visiting his native Venezuela as the FIBA Americas Championship takes place while clearly bothered by the idea that he’s injured and can’t help his team compete toward representing the country in the World Championships.
“I find myself to be much better,” he said. “The progress has been really good and really productive but I need a month and half to get my physical condition at 100 percent again.”
The Kings’ season starts on Wednesday, Oct. 30 when they host the Denver Nuggets, which means that if he were to begin conditioning in the next few weeks, he’d presumably be healthy enough to contribute in the first game.
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