Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways at the 2018 NBA All-Star break

1. Bradley Beal having a career season

The Washington Wizards are currently fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, albeit without John Wall, due in large part to the year Bradley Beal is having. Beal is averaging 23.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 2017-18.

Despite having lower shooting percentages from a season ago, Beal is still growing into his role as the Wizards’ best player on offense. He’s coming around on the defensive end as well. In victories this season, he boasts a defensive rating of 99.3.

Volume has been the name of the game for Beal during John Wall’s absence. He’s shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from the 3-point arc in the last nine contests. They aren’t terrible shooting numbers considering their record is 7-2 during the same span, but come playoff time, it could become an issue.

Beal’s 3-point shooting prowess will still be on display this weekend during the NBA All-Star festivities.

Next: 2017-18 Week 18 NBA Power Rankings

He’ll be competing in this year’s 3-point Shootout alongside some of the best 3-point shooters in the league. It will be his second time competing in the 3-Point Shootout.