Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley is entering rehab to combat some psychological issues plaguing his personal, and professional, life. A potential addiction to substance abuse is the root of the issue, but the symptoms have been on public display for quite some time. Beasley’s Twitter account has recently been closed after he posted some haunting tweets that caused some mild panic from his supporters.

We don’t always expect our NBA superstars to exhibit the same professionalism that guys like Steve Nash and LeBron James do, and we most certainly are accustomed to seeing the superstars fall from grace. But it’s difficult to blame a guy who has been touted as the “next big thing” since coming out of college.

Beasley averaged 13.9 points and 5.4 boards in his rookie season, claiming the spot as the second best point getter for the Heat last year behind Dwyane Wade. He has been shopped around, especially in trade discussions for Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, but his value has plummeted after certain maturity issues began to surface.

Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur, two of Beasley’s college teammates at Kansas State, were banned from the rookie symposium last year after being found with two women in their resort hotel room. The scent of marijuana was lingering in the air, and Beasley initially refused to cooperate with the investigation. He later obliged, but was fined $50,000 for his involvement. Chalmers and Arthur were incidentally fined $20,000 apiece.

Immaturity, however, doesn’t begin to describe the concerns surrounding the 20-year-old power-forward. Though his potential is arguably limitless, we are all well aware of the adverse affects that fame and money can have on a young mind. Just ask Shawn Kemp, who went from being on the verge of the greatest player at his position, to the father of 40 illegitimate children and a recovering cocaine addict. It’s a sour reminder to everyone that the NBA is a privilege that you can lose very quickly should you be unable to temper the temptations of supposed invincibility.

Beasley will stay at a Houston rehab facility to challenge his personal demons, and find his way out of his self-induced calamity. It is a step in the right direction for the young man, and his mental sanctity and personal maturity are crucial to the success of the Miami Heat. This could be a glimpse of a boy becoming a man, or another NBA player becoming an unmitigated disaster. For all intents and purposes, the Miami Heat NBA betting faithful better hope that Michael Beasley is a beast that can be tamed.

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