Is Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal a franchise talent?

By Andrew Melnick | Aug 19, 2014

Apr 27, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards’ guard Bradley Beal is coming off of a breakout season and after the 2014-2015, the Washington Wizards may decide to extend him.

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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes Beal is a “franchise type talent” but wouldn’t build a franchise around him.

"Like Drummond, it’s easy to make a case for Beal as a franchise type talent. The problem is as good as Beal is, would you build a franchise around him? The answer in most situations is likely no. That in no way is trying to diminish Brad’s value, impact or status as an elite player in the NBA, or that fact that he’ll have a long career in the league."

Of course, building a team around Beal isn’t required – that’s what John Wall is for. Beal’s shooting ability and athleticism has made him a perfect fit next to Wall in the back court and they have perhaps the most balanced lineup in the league, even after losing forward Trevor Ariza to the Houston Rockets because he was replaced with veteran Paul Pierce. Beal will still cash in when he’s due his extension and the Wizards will certainly make it a priority to keep him.

Beal put up 17.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 78.8% from the free throw line. In the postseason, he averaged 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 41.6% from the floor, 41.5% from three and 79.6% from the charity stripe.

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