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Washington Wizards: The sky is the limit for Bradley Beal

By Randy Porga

May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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After completing his fifth NBA season at only 23 years old, Bradley Beal is becoming the best shooting guard in the league for the Washington Wizards.

The Washington Wizards drafted Bradley Beal as the third overall pick during the 2012 NBA Draft. In very little time, the 2012-13 All-Rookie had left a lasting impression on the league. This kid has serious game.

The Wizards should be counting their lucky stars for the offensive powerhouse that is the result of excellent scouting and drafting. Head coach Scott Brooks arguably inherited a nearly ideal roster to compete in the Eastern Conference.

Right now there is no shortage of all-around stellar guards in the league. Bradley Beal ranks among the best at the 2-spot.

Coming off of his best season yet to date, he set personal career-highs in several areas.

During the 2016-17 regular season, here are his numbers compared to his career stats over his five seasons.

  • Field goal percentage:  48.2 percent (44.1 percent for his career)
  • Scoring:  23.1 points per game (17.7 per game for his career)
  • Assists:  3.5 assists per game (3.1 per game for his career)

Although his three-point percentage was not the highest of his five years, he made 40.4 percent of them this past season. He has never shot below 38.6 percent during his career from downtown.

Beal in comparison to other elite guards

The backcourt is ever-changing and evolving into a hybrid position for many teams. There are so many great guards right now in the NBA that can play at the 1 or 2, adjusting to the other team’s lineup accordingly.

For example, a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, standing at 6’11” is a headache for opponents. He is listed as a point guard, shooting guard and yes, even small forward and power forward as well.

Compared to Beal, he has already been voted an All-Star, while Beal was seemingly otherwise snubbed this past year. The Greak Freak is one year younger and has played one fewer season than Beal.

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However Beal appears to be the overall bigger offensive threat when it comes to straight up scoring. The difference for Antetokounmpo is that he revels in his size advantage. He averaged 8.8 rebounds per game to Beal’s 3.1.

Beal is a true marksman, shooting 39.9 percent from beyond the arc compared to Antetokounmpo’s 27.7 for their career. Beal is also outnumbering his career points per game at 17.7 to 14.9 respectively.

How about when compared to Klay Thompson of the Warriors? He is a proven winner and can also make the argument for best shooting guard in the league right now.

This past season, Beal posted a higher field goal percentage than Thompson has reached over his six-year career. While Beal is only trailing in three-point percentage by one percent, he averaged just over 23 points per game, while Thompson also has yet to hit that mark in his career.

Any way you spin the argument, the talent pool is filled at the position, and Beal is as good as they come.

What’s next for Beal?

Despite his excellent numbers, it truly is a wonder how he missed out on being voted an All-Star this year. Winning as a team is certainly put ahead of personal accolades, but respect needs to be given where respect is due.

The Washington Wizards seem to be safe and sound, though Otto Porter Jr. returning next season remains uncertain. Beal has proven he can carry the teams scoring duties if John Wall is unable to.

Under pressure, he is also tried and true through 35 career playoff games, averaging 22.6 points per game and shooting 43.7 percent from the field. Each year Bradley Beal is improving and the sky is the limit for his potential.

Next: 5 takeaways from the 2017 NBA Finals

So what’s next for this remarkable young man’s career? Returning to the playoffs, earning an All-Star spot and making it to the conference finals are likely to be on the agenda.

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