Fansided

8 players who could use a change of scenery

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks for a passing lane during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dives for a loose ball in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dives for a loose ball in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Bradley Beal – SG, Washington Wizards

For the Wizards, everything begins and ends with John Wall. Wall started slowly this season, but since the start of December has been electrifying for the otherwise disappointing Wizards:

November: 14.5 PPG, 7.8 AST, 3.5 REB, 36.9% FG, 26.7% 3P, 75% FT
December: 24.9 PPG, 10.7 AST, 5.0 REB, 52.1% FG, 42.5% 3P, 84.1% FT

Although his shooting efficiency numbers will go down – no career 31% three-point shooter is going to suddenly turn into a 40% shooter – Wall’s improvement deserves recognition. He is finding better opportunities for both himself and his teammates, locking down opposing point guards and giving the Wizards offense an actual sense of flow.

Despite Wall’s improvements, the Wizards remain at only 10-13 on the season. The reasons for this are plentiful, but chief among them is the puzzling case of Bradley Beal. Beal is likely the second best player on the Wizards, but he hasn’t been as aggressive at taking shots as he has been in the past, particularly from beyond the arc. The Wizards spacing is killed by Beal’s reluctance, a poor trend since coach Randy Wittman turned away from his former, nonsensical offense of clogging the lane in favor of embracing smaller, pace-and-space lineups to surround Wall.

It may be a case of regaining confidence in himself and the system, but Beal might also be better suited as a trade piece.

Bradley Beal’s new home: Boston Celtics

This would have to wait while Beal recovers from a stress fracture in his leg. The Celtics are doing just dandy in terms of perimeter defense; but what they need in the backcourt is spacing. Pairing Beal with Marcus Smart could provide the Celtics with a perfect backcourt balance.

Next: Al Jefferson

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