At the Start of His Career, Beasley Isn't Joking Around

MIAMI -- Miami Heat rookie Michael Beasley, just 18 months removed from high school, became so concerned about the temptations inherent in his transition to the NBA this season that he persuaded a trusted mentor to leave his university job and move into Beasley's new home, acting as something of a life adviser.

Beasley, 19, also brought his mother when he arrived in Miami after the Heat selected him with the second overall pick in the June draft, outfitting her and his four siblings with a six-bedroom, nearly $1.5 million home, far more extravagant than his own place near the Heat's arena. He said he spends a few hours there most days.