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Houston Rockets To Sign Michael Beasley, Andrew Goudelock; What Gives?

By Brian K. Patterson

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-USA TODAY Sports
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-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the blink of an eye, the Houston Rockets have decided to move forward with shaking up the roster a bit as they hit the home stretch.

Yes, that home stretch is for a possible playoff run and the Rockets very much so have an excellent shot of catapulting themselves all the way in.

Over the past week, we’ve seen the team cut ties with Marcus Thornton as well as Ty Lawson this Tuesday so it’s quite obvious this team is dead-set on heading in a different direction.

Whether it’s the direction we need to be heading in remains up for debate but it’s shift in creed nonetheless.

As of yesterday, the Rockets have moved quickly to add some depth to fill the two slots vacated by Thornton and Lawson.

The Rockets are set to sign forward Michael Beasley and guard Andrew Goudelock for the rest of the season with options for possibly beyond.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reports:

Shortly thereafter, the Chron’s Jonathan Feigen confirmed:

Feigen also reported on the Goudelock deal:

Both players had most recently participated in the Chinese Basketball Association — Beasley with the Shandong Golden Stars and Goudelock with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.

Beasley, 27, is riding an incredible wave of new-found notoriety as he has been named the CBA MVP after an seemingly earth-shattering season where he pumped out averages of 31.9 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game this past season.

Video game numbers, anyone?!?

This generated a ton of interest among NBA teams for his services and the Rockets were able to arm-wrestle their way through to win their coveted prize.

The No. 2 pick of the 2008 NBA Draft had nearly milk-carton status after not being able to resign with the Miami Heat last season.

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He then decided to take his talents to Shandong and thrived tremendously, scoring 63 points in one game and notching the CBA’s first triple-double ever this past season among other notable accomplishments.

I have always been quite fond of Beasley — as he was a tremendous talent coming out of K-State — but I would’ve never thought that he’d end up falling into the Rockets’ lap.

But the reason why his relatively unorthodox path has been taken is that he graciously-gifted athletically but he lacks some fundamentals to be successful in the pro leagues.

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Can he play defense, can he move without the ball, does he know when and where to get his shot to help this team?

We’re about to find out.

I know he has been extremely humbled by having to make his second trip to the CBA — he had previously had a stint with the Shanghai Sharks in 2014-15 — and I know he’s ready to prove wrong all of the naysayers.

With that combination of variables, he might deadly for the Rockets, he may not be but it’s worth the gamble.

As for Goudelock, 27, he does have history with the Rockets and could hopefully make an impact as well.

His deal is reportedly for two years with the second year being a team option.

He averaged 22.1 points and 46.7 percent shooting with the Flying Tigers this past season as well.

The former 2013 D-League MVP — when he was with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers — has bounced around a bit including some brief, forgettable stays with the Los Angeles Lakers.

NOTE: At the time of this writing, the Rockets were still awaiting the results of their physicals and respective Letters of Clearance from the FIBA.

It remains to be seen how much these guys can help the Rockets but it’s worth the move as both are expected to sign for the minimum salary.

With the Rockets being nearly $900,000 away from their $88.7 million hard cap, spending has to be at minimum in order to make moves to improve this team this season.

Next: Rockets: FOUR Reasons Why Everyone Is At Fault

Lest we not forget that the Rockets do not save any money from the Ty Lawson buyout as far as the cap number goes.

But this is another classic example of how Daryl Morey makes moves you don’t expect but will likely appreciate eventually.

Let’s hope this works — we’ve literally got nothing to lose anyway.

Go Rockets.

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