Michael Paul Beasley Jr., born on January 9, 1989, in Cheverly, Maryland, is an American professional basketball player renowned for his scoring ability and versatility on the court. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 235 pounds, Beasley has played both the power forward and small forward positions throughout his career. His journey from a promising young athlete to an NBA player is marked by significant achievements and personal challenges.
Early Life and Education
Beasley was born to Fatima Smith and Michael Beasley Sr. He has two brothers, Leroy Ellison and Malik Smith, and two younger sisters, Mychaela Beasley and Tiffany Couch. In 2005, his mother and siblings moved from Montgomery County to Frederick, Maryland, where they resided for a year.
During his formative years, Beasley showcased exceptional talent in basketball. He played for the PG Jaguars, one of the nation’s most successful AAU teams at the time, winning multiple national championships alongside future stars like Kevin Durant and Chris Braswell. He later joined DC Assault’s 17 & Under team, playing with notable players such as Ron Anderson, Nolan Smith, Chris Wright, Austin Freeman, and Julian Vaughn.
Beasley’s high school journey was unconventional, attending six different institutions:
- Bowie High School (Bowie, Maryland)
- National Christian Academy (Fort Washington, Maryland): Averaged 30 points and 10 rebounds per game during his freshman year (2003–04).
- The Pendleton School (Bradenton, Florida)
- Riverdale Baptist School (Upper Marlboro, Maryland): Averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game as a sophomore (2004–05).
- Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia): Averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game as a junior (2005–06).
- Notre Dame Preparatory School (Fitchburg, Massachusetts): As a senior, averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4.5 blocks per game.
His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the 2007 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, where he was named MVP after recording 23 points and 12 rebounds. Rivals.com rated him as the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2007.
In 2007, Beasley enrolled at Kansas State University. During his freshman year (2007–2008), he averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, leading the nation in rebounds and ranking third in scoring. He set numerous records, including 28 double-doubles, surpassing Carmelo Anthony’s freshman record. His efforts earned him consensus first-team All-American honors and the Big 12 Player of the Year award.
Personal Life and Family
Beasley’s personal life has been marked by both joy and adversity. His mother, Fatima Smith, passed away from cancer in December 2018, a profound loss for him and his family. He shares a close bond with his siblings and has often spoken about the challenges and support within his family dynamics.
He is a father to multiple children. His daughter, Mikaiya, was born in May 2009, and his son, Michael III, in November 2010. As of 2024, he has five more daughters and two more sons. Balancing his professional career with fatherhood has been a significant aspect of his personal journey.
Beasley grew up with fellow basketball players Kevin Durant and Nolan Smith, maintaining friendships that have spanned decades. These relationships have been a source of camaraderie and support throughout his career.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Paul Beasley Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Cheverly, Maryland, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
| Weight | 235 pounds (107 kilograms) |
| Parents | Father: Michael Beasley Sr.; Mother: Fatima Smith |
| Siblings | Brothers: Leroy Ellison, Malik Smith; Sisters: Mychaela Beasley, Tiffany Couch |
| Children | Daughters: Mikaiya Beasley (born May 2009), and five more; Sons: Michael Beasley III (born November 2010), and two more |
| Education | Kansas State University (2007–2008) |
| Position | Power Forward / Small Forward |
| NBA Draft | 2008, 1st round, 2nd overall pick by the Miami Heat |
| Professional Teams | Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Shanghai Sharks, Shandong Golden Stars, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Guangdong Southern Tigers, Cangrejeros de Santurce |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $10 million |
Professional Career
Beasley’s professional basketball career has been diverse, encompassing multiple teams across the NBA and international leagues.
Miami Heat (2008–2010)
Selected as the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, Beasley signed with the team on July 2, 2008. He made an immediate impact, averaging 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2010–2012)
In July 2010, Beasley was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He achieved a career-high 42 points against the Sacramento Kings on November 10, 2010. During the 2010–2011 season, he averaged 19.2 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess.
Phoenix Suns (2012–2013)
Beasley signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2012. However, his tenure was marred by off-court issues, leading to his release from the team in September 2013.
Return to Miami Heat and International Play (2013–2015)
Beasley returned to the Miami Heat for the 2013–2014 season, contributing to the team’s run to the NBA Finals. He then had stints with the Shanghai Sharks in China, where he was named the CBA All-Star Game MVP in 2015 after scoring 59 points in the game.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Michael Beasley possesses a combination of height and athleticism that has been advantageous in his basketball career. His wingspan and agility allow him to play both forward positions effectively, contributing to his versatility on the court. Throughout his career, his physical attributes have complemented his scoring ability, making him a formidable presence against opponents.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Michael Beasley’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This valuation accounts for his earnings from NBA contracts, overseas play, endorsements, and other business ventures. Despite facing challenges throughout his career, Beasley has managed to accumulate substantial wealth through his professional endeavors.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| michael8easley | Instagram Profile | |
| Michael8easley | Twitter Profile |
Latest News
In February 2025, Michael Beasley returned to Manhattan, Kansas, to attend a Kansas State basketball game. During his visit, he participated in a meet-and-greet event organized by the Wildcat NIL collective, where he interacted with fans and sold merchandise. Reflecting on his college days, Beasley expressed that if circumstances had been different, he would have preferred to stay at Kansas State for all four years of his eligibility. He emphasized his desire to have continued contributing to the university and its basketball program.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Beasley has faced several legal challenges. In September 2008, he was fined $50,000 by the NBA for his involvement in an incident at the Rookie Transition Program. In August 2011, he was ticketed for marijuana possession in Minnesota. In August 2013, Beasley was arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession in Arizona, which contributed to his release from the Phoenix Suns. In February 2025, he was arrested at Manhattan Regional Airport in Kansas for attempting to board a plane with nearly six grams of marijuana. He was released on a $750 bond following this incident.
FAQs
- How long did Michael Beasley play in the NBA?
Michael Beasley played in the NBA for about 11 seasons (2008–2019). - Does Michael Beasley have a ring?
No, Michael Beasley does not have an NBA championship ring. - When was Michael Beasley’s prime?
Beasley’s prime years were around 2010–2011 when he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and averaged 19.2 points per game. - How much did Michael Beasley weigh?
Michael Beasley weighed around 235 lbs (107 kg) during his playing career.
Michael Beasley’s journey in professional basketball showcases resilience and talent, much like other athletes who have carved their own paths to success. If you’re interested in reading about other remarkable sports figures, check out our in-depth article on Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the most dominant alpine ski racers in history. Additionally, for those fascinated by personalities from different fields, learn more about the renowned auctioneer and antiques expert Charles Hanson.
