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5 ways John Wall and Bradley Beal can repair their relationship

By Ian Levy

Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) talks with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) talks with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Wall, Bradley Beal, Settlers of Catan
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 14: Festival visitors are playing Chess at day 5 of the Sziget festival on August 14, 2016 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Didier Messens/Redferns) on August 14, 2016 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Didier Messens/Redferns) /

4. Relax with some friendly board games

Being professional athletes, competition is hardwired into the DNA of both Wall and Beal to some degree. A combination like these two functions best when that competitive spirit is directed unilaterally at an opponent but it’s unrealistic to expect that to always be the case. A competitive nature can bleed into other areas, working kinks over things like money, minutes, and shot attempts. For this friendship to get healthy, Wall and Beal need to figure out how to make their internal competition a friendly one as well.

Board games are the answer, hopefully with some snacks (no one is at their best when they’re hungry). If Wall and Beal could sit down around a game that neither of them has much experience with, learn together, compete together, beat the other, and lose to the other, it could lay the groundwork for a healthier and more compatible rivalry. Settlers of Catan would probably be the perfect fit, with a pace and structure that encourages socializing, and I’m sure Marcin Gortat would be down to teach them the finer points of the game.

Sorry would probably be a game to avoid. Until these guys have made some progress towards the goal of a more symbiotic relationship, baked in and half-hearted apologies may be too advanced.

Next: 3. Movie marathon

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