Wizards’ Bradley Beal: With Trevor Ariza, ‘we’re going to be terrific’

By Henry McKenna | Jul 3, 2014

May 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles the ball as Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill (3) defends during the first half in game six of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The Wizards have quietly taken care of their own, retaining Andre Miller and Marcin Gortat. One key cog in their playoff run is still unsigned, however. Trevor Ariza still sits awash with choices for free agency. Bradley Beal thinks that if the Wizards can bring him back, they will continue from where they left off last season and be even better next year. There’s something to be said for continuity.

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“If you see all the great teams each and every year they have the same teams. We have a great corp right now. Our next step is getting Trev back and the rest of these guys back. Once we do that we’re going to be terrific, man,” Beal told CSNwashington.com on Wednesday. “I can definitely see it. I can feel it. We’re each going to get better.

“I know me and John (Wall) are going to continue to compete. I know Otto (Porter) is going to get better. Glen (Rice) is going to get better. I know Martell (Webster) is out so those two guys got to step up more but I think it’s going to be a great year for us honestly. We’ve got to stick to what we do best and the rest will take care of itself.”

He’s onto something. The Wizard’s roster is incredibly young and talented. Porter and Beal are 21, Wall and Rice 23, and Webster is 27. The youth movement is on in Washington. If they can retain their key veterans, on which they are currently 2-for-3, then Washington has yet to peak. They will be dangerous for not two, not three, not four, not five… years.