NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from Wizards beating Hawks
By John Buhler
3. Bradley Beal can be the second-best player on a contending team
2016-17 has been the best year of Bradley Beal’s five-year NBA career. He’s still in his mid-20s, but has never tapped into his full potential until now. That has mostly to do with him usually finding a way to get hurt during the season.
Beal has clearly worked on his body, as well as his chemistry with point guard John Wall. Together, they can take Washington to new heights under the leadership of head coach Scott Brooks. Beal and Wall’s on-court chemistry is only rivaled by what Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have going with the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference.
As a near All-Star level shooting guard, Beal’s best skill as an NBA player is his jump shot. While the 3-point shot is in vogue in the NBA, Beal is actually at his best with his impressive mid-range game and when he fearlessly attacks the basket. He’s not as explosive off the dribble in transition like Wall is, but Beal is a perennial scoring threat every second he is on the court.
What this series taught us the most about Beal is that he can be the second best player on a serious championship contender. He’s fortunate to play alongside Wall, but many teams would be happy to have him in their lineups. Washington can definitely go places with Beal as a major contributor in its backcourt.