After spending a month in rehab to address substance abuse issues, Michael Beasley has returned to the Heat to begin preparing for the 2009-10 season.
According to ESPN.com, Beasley took part in a voluntary offseason workout and does not appear to have missed a beat since last season. While specifics about his problem and his rehab program have been kept under wraps, all indications say the second pick of the 2008 NBA draft is ready to roll once again.
"We want to bring him back to the family, bring him back in here," Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra told ESPN.com. "We're 100 percent behind him. We've invested in him, not just financially but emotionally. We've spent a great deal of time with him this summer, trying to develop him on the court but also off the court. He's ready. He was excited to be back here."
Heat training camp officially opens on Sept. 29, and Beasley will be with the team despite earlier reports that he may not be ready.
"I have no concern at all [that he's ready to rejoin the team]," said captain Udonis Haslem. "He's working out, he's staying in shape, he's keeping himself sharp. It's not like he doesn't know the plays and with Beas, if all else fails, he'll shoot it. So he'll be fine when he gets back."
According to reports, Beasley has added 10 pounds of muscle and has gotten quicker since last season. Spoelstra even declared that he is in "phenomenal shape."
Last year, as a rookie, Beasley averaged 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, becoming the Heat's second-leading scorer behind Dwyane Wade.
