Kyrie Irving issues heartfelt message to Michael Beasley: “An incredible example to me”

Kyrie Irving attended The Next Chapter 1-on-1 matchup on Friday between Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson. The Dallas Mavericks superstar joined the highly-anticipated event as a special guest. Irving worked as a commentator for the long-awaited duel between two former NBA players with reputations as 1-on-1 specialists in streetball.

Beasley walked away with the $100K prize after beating Stephenson 31-21. Irving chatted with the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NBA draft following the former Miami Heat star’s championship-winning performance.

“I’m glad that you’re here sitting down. You have been an incredible example for our culture, you have been an incredible example for me. I just wanna give you your flowers right now. A lot of people don’t know where you come from. … You are one of them ones, bro. I’m glad that I can say it out loud for you.”

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Like Kyrie Irving, Michael Beasley came out of college with highly-touted credentials. Beasley averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, both the best in the Big 12 Conference during the 2007-08 season. The 6-foot-9 forward left Kansas State after one year to join the NBA, where he was taken second by the Heat after Derrick Rose went to Chicago.

Three years after Beasley entered the NBA, Irving came out of Duke after a one-and-done campaign to dazzle the pros. The mercurial point guard won the Rookie of the Year award and promptly earned recognition as one of its most exciting and emerging stars.

Michael Beasley had unquestionable talent but off-court issues, which have also hounded Kyrie Irving, likely cost him more years in the NBA. Still, Irving opened up about Beasley’s impact, calling the 1-on-1 champ one of his biggest inspirations.

Kyrie Irving won his first game against Michael Beasley in the NBA

Kyrie Irving was a rookie during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. Two weeks into that season, which started in late December, Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers went on a six-game road trip. The Cavs’ second stop during that brutal away slate was at Minnesota to take on Michael Beasley and the Timberwolves.

With help from Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao and Alonzo Gee, Irving’s team toppled the hosts 98-87. The electric point guard finished the game with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Wolves relied heavily on Kevin Love, who dropped 29 points and 14 rebounds. Beasley contributed nine points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

Also read: "We made a s*x tape Kim K would envy": Michael Beasley delivers wild message to Lance Stephenson after winning $100,000

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Michael Macasero

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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