There's another big factor that is helping Beasley right now, that people aren't really acknowledging.
When he entered the NBA, he was a tweener in a league that valued more defined 3's and 4's. But the league has shifted, and now most teams play guys at the 4 that would be 3's 5-10 years ago, even regularly. That's really helped Michael, because that's what he's always been. Makes it much easier for him to rebound and play defense with the whole league having gone small. Not to mention, his ability to hit the 3 ball only increases his value at that position.
In summary, Beasley as traditional power forward, meh. Beasley as traditional small forward, eh. Beasley as small ball power forward, very nice.
EDIT: OK, you called it before I did, but yup, this exactly
DAWill1128 wrote:Beasley success is the result of a changing league. When he was drafted he was too small to defend power forwards, then he got moved to small forward where being slower diminished his value. Now the nba wants quicker power forwards who can shoot and Beasley is perfectly suited. Beasley is gonna be a monster four for years to come.