Re-grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the LA Clippers at Capital One Arena on January 25, 2022 in Washington, DC, Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft: 3. Bradley Beal – A

This was one of the more obvious grades of the top 10, as Bradley Beal has blossomed into one of the best scorers in the NBA since he was drafted.

While it took Beal four years to finally average 20+ points, he has always been a solid role player, and at one point was a great complimentary piece to John Wall. That duo made the playoffs multiple times.

However, things have changed in Washington, as after Wall sustained multiple injuries that cost him years of his prime, they went into more of a rebuilding mode. The Wizards traded Wall and other complementary pieces in order to build around Beal.

In Beal’s time without Wall, both before and after the trade, he has turned into one of the best scorers in the league. He averaged over 30 points per game in both 2019 and 2020.

However, Beal was off to a slow start this season, averaging only 23 points – his lowest since 2017. Beal’s season then came to an end in early February after he was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left hand.

Despite a somewhat poor season this year, Beal has consistently been an All-Star-caliber player for nearly six seasons now, making the All-Star game three times so far in his career. If Beal can continue this level of success, he will likely go down as one of the best scorers in NBA history.