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Washington Wizards: 5 Reasons Not To Panic

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (M) looks on while sitting on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (M) looks on while sitting on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Thunder won 125-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dunks the ball against the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dunks the ball against the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Real Deal B3al

Bradley Beal made it known throughout the months leading into the season that he feels he deserves a max extension. There were questions of whether or not Beal was actually worth a max contract. He seems to be a young star at the shooting guard position, but the only caution was his ability to stay healthy. Throughout his first three seasons, Beal always managed to suffer from an injury that would keep him out small chunks at a time. Although the injuries were not of serious concern given that he didn’t miss months of each season, it still messed with his consistency of play.

Beal is the type of player that thrives when his confidence is high. If it gets too low, there is a good chance that his production will decrease dramatically. As the Nov. 2 deadline came and went, Beal and the Wizards were still unable to agree on an extension, making him a restricted free agent this coming summer.

In the small sample size that is available, Beal is proving to not only the Wizards, but every team around the league that he should be considered a max extension type of player. He is putting up career-high numbers in points per game (22.7), field goal percentage (48.6), three-point percentage (47.1), and rebounds (4.8).  The four-year man out of the University of Florida has also proven that he can be the guy the Wizards depend on to hit big shots in crucial points of the game. One of the biggest was the game-winner to lift the Wizards over the San Antonio Spurs.

Unfortunately, Beal’s hot start was cooled off after suffering a shoulder injury in the game against Atlanta that kept him out of the Oklahoma City game. His status is not definite, but it is more than likely that he will suit up against the Orlando Magic tomorrow. As long as the injury doesn’t affect his play, Beal will continue to be one of the best scorers in the league this season as he has proven he can be thus far. If he continues his dominance like he has shown, the Wizards will have no problem throwing a max extension his way as by then he will be regarded as one of the top players at his position.

Next: 4. Bench Production

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