Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (30) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Michael Beasley Continues Troll Journey Revealing Toughest Career Opponent

Originally posted on Kansas State Wildcats on SI
By Jayden Armant | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 5:19 PM ET

Michael Beasley has faced many tough defenders throughout his basketball career.

But apparently one stands above all. Not Lance Stephenson, Marcus Dove, or Kawhi Leonard.

But Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. Beasley hilariously trolled his former coach for not giving him playing time in Miami.

“Rick Adelman, Erik Spoelstra, whatever head coach at the time," Beasley said to CBS Sports' Ashley Nicole Moss. "He never put me in the game. Spo, I love you. Spo’s my guy.”

Michael Beasley on the toughest defender he ever faced:

“Rick Adelman, Erik Spoelstra… whatever head coach at the time.”

“Erik Spoelstra was one of the toughest defenders you ever faced?”⁰
Beasley: “Yeah, he never put me in the game ….Spo, I love you. Spo’s my guy.”

(via… pic.twitter.com/Dts7BQNpWf
— Heat Diehards (@HeatDiehards) July 21, 2025

The Heat selected Beasley with the second pick in the 2008 NBA Draft after a trailblazing Big 12 Player of the Year campaign at Kansas State. He averaged 26.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks this season, dominating as one of the best players in the country. Unfortunately, this didn't amount in the NBA, as Beasley bounced around as a journeyman.

His ball skills were never in question, which is why he is still one of the most renowned one-on-one players in the sport. However, his off-court issues were detrimental to his career promise. Nevertheless, many others believe he deserved a fairer shot in the league.

“If you had to pick a logo for a one-on-one like you have for the NBA, I think the logo would be Michael Beasley," Jackson said on his All the Smoke podcast. "He’s a walking bucket, he be scoring. Everyone knows that if they would’ve gave him a solid chance in the league, he would’ve had an amazing career.”