Bradley Beal - Part II

[Kanyewest]

I feel that Beal is going through a bit of a sophomore slump but he'll find his way out of it. I agree with the assessment that he is letting his offense effect his defense which shouldn't be the case.

As for his shooting from inside the two point line should improve over time. I am encouraged that his 3 point shot is pretty good at 45%. For now, I think Beal should keep shooting the mid range jumper because they are clean looks- it may be something that he has to work on in the offseason if he can't improve it this season.

[Dat2U]

But according to this board, Beal was a far safer bet to fulfill his potential than Wall was?

And if you read the board in October & November, many would have told you Beal, not Wall, would be the Wizards best player much sooner than later.

Oh how times have changed.

Personally, I didn't really expect a breakout from Beal this year. I figured he'd have his ups and downs this season but would get stronger as the season wore on. I'm really disappointed in his shot selection but honestly, that issue may not be resolved as long as our coaching staff keeps encouraging guys to take those long 2s and are still employed. I think Beal will play better as the year goes on and like Wall, his breakout will be more of a gradual occurrence over time.

[fishercob]

Fisher, do you think there's a little "too cool for school" vibe in his body lingo? I just want to see a sign that he's willing to out-work his opponents - something like we see from Booker. It's a lot easier to feel good about players when it's clear they're hustling. To see a lack of energy is disappointing.

Ruz, I did not. I saw more of a lack of confidence and him being really down on himself that descended into a general lethargy and lack of aggressiveness. This is part of why he needs to go to the basket -- get fouled, get to the line, see the ball going into the hoop (so important for shooters).

[Illmatic21]

I feel like the elephant in the room is Beal's play. People here for the most part seem to consider him to be a star quality player - but he simply isn't. Right now, he's the 7th best player on a Wiz team that doesn't have 8 quality players. The last 3 games, he's gone 4 of 14, 6 of 16, and 4 of 15; and just as disappointing - he's attempted all of 1 FT in the 3 losses.

Not only that - it seems that every opposing starting 2 puts up all-star level games against him - though I haven't checked the numbers to verify that. The last 3 games, we have gotten killed at his position. Klay Thompson was a model of efficiency and production last night, and I think it's fair to expect Beal to be close to Thompson level at this point. Thompson's a great jump shooter who does not get to the line. And we do have a wing player on the roster that has virtually identical PER and efficiency numbers to Thompson. That player is Webster; not Beal. The Wiz should be using Webster as the model for Beal. They're like... on the same team, so this shouldn't be a difficult concept for the Wiz coach's and front office to understand.

Yes, he's very young, but we need to see progress, and we haven't gotten it at all.

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

[payitforward]

I feel like the elephant in the room is Beal's play. People here for the most part seem to consider him to be a star quality player - but he simply isn't. Right now, he's the 7th best player on a Wiz team that doesn't have 8 quality players. The last 3 games, he's gone 4 of 14, 6 of 16, and 4 of 15; and just as disappointing - he's attempted all of 1 FT in the 3 losses.

Not only that - it seems that every opposing starting 2 puts up all-star level games against him - though I haven't checked the numbers to verify that. The last 3 games, we have gotten killed at his position. Klay Thompson was a model of efficiency and production last night, and I think it's fair to expect Beal to be close to Thompson level at this point. Thompson's a great jump shooter who does not get to the line. And we do have a wing player on the roster that has virtually identical PER and efficiency numbers to Thompson. That player is Webster; not Beal. The Wiz should be using Webster as the model for Beal. They're like... on the same team, so this shouldn't be a difficult concept for the Wiz coach's and front office to understand.

Yes, he's very young, but we need to see progress, and we haven't gotten it at all.

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

Beal's a 20 year old w/ a high ceiling. He isn't playing well, but I hope he will. Blaming his performance on Wittman makes no sense. You might as well blame Wittman's performance on Beal!

If anything, that makes more sense. Our team is as good as our players. Mostly we have crummy players.

[dandridge 10]

Regarding Beal's unwillingness to drive to the basket, I wonder how much of it has to do with his injuries and him worrying about getting hurt. About ten years ago, I broke my leg driving to the hoop and going into the trees. I have to admit it still lingers in my head today and I don't drive to the hole nearly as much anymore when I play pick-up ball. I tend to settle for jumpshots. Beal did not break his leg driving to the hole, but I wonder whether he is avoiding contact as a result of two stress injuries in his legs. The minute restriction also probably plays into it as it is a constant reminder that he "needs to be careful."

[Illmatic21]

I feel like the elephant in the room is Beal's play. People here for the most part seem to consider him to be a star quality player - but he simply isn't. Right now, he's the 7th best player on a Wiz team that doesn't have 8 quality players. The last 3 games, he's gone 4 of 14, 6 of 16, and 4 of 15; and just as disappointing - he's attempted all of 1 FT in the 3 losses.

Not only that - it seems that every opposing starting 2 puts up all-star level games against him - though I haven't checked the numbers to verify that. The last 3 games, we have gotten killed at his position. Klay Thompson was a model of efficiency and production last night, and I think it's fair to expect Beal to be close to Thompson level at this point. Thompson's a great jump shooter who does not get to the line. And we do have a wing player on the roster that has virtually identical PER and efficiency numbers to Thompson. That player is Webster; not Beal. The Wiz should be using Webster as the model for Beal. They're like... on the same team, so this shouldn't be a difficult concept for the Wiz coach's and front office to understand.

Yes, he's very young, but we need to see progress, and we haven't gotten it at all.

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

Beal's a 20 year old w/ a high ceiling. He isn't playing well, but I hope he will. Blaming his performance on Wittman makes no sense. You might as well blame Wittman's performance on Beal!

If anything, that makes more sense. Our team is as good as our players. Mostly we have crummy players.

I don't disagree with you. What I was alluding to was that Wittman isn't really putting Beal in a great position to succeed.

I'm not referring to him missing shots (which he's been doing a lot of), I'm strictly talking about the whole driving to the basket thing. No one on this team drives to the basket, ever. So how much can we bank on Beal developing that independently? There needs to be an overall, team emphasis on creating greater opportunities for dribble penetration.

[hands11]

I feel like the elephant in the room is Beal's play. People here for the most part seem to consider him to be a star quality player - but he simply isn't. Right now, he's the 7th best player on a Wiz team that doesn't have 8 quality players. The last 3 games, he's gone 4 of 14, 6 of 16, and 4 of 15; and just as disappointing - he's attempted all of 1 FT in the 3 losses.

Not only that - it seems that every opposing starting 2 puts up all-star level games against him - though I haven't checked the numbers to verify that. The last 3 games, we have gotten killed at his position. Klay Thompson was a model of efficiency and production last night, and I think it's fair to expect Beal to be close to Thompson level at this point. Thompson's a great jump shooter who does not get to the line. And we do have a wing player on the roster that has virtually identical PER and efficiency numbers to Thompson. That player is Webster; not Beal. The Wiz should be using Webster as the model for Beal. They're like... on the same team, so this shouldn't be a difficult concept for the Wiz coach's and front office to understand.

Yes, he's very young, but we need to see progress, and we haven't gotten it at all.

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

Seems Wittmans response to players getting out on him is for him to play that two man game with Gortat and to pump fake and step in and away from the player for a long 2. Thats the only adjustments I have seen.

Beal would look just as good as he did last year if he was sitting there open taking the corner 3.

Things have changed.

And yes, he does have that to impressed with himself thing he needs to get over when he makes a shot. Very Nickish. Just make the basket and get ready to play defense. You can get all happy during the time outs.

[Illmatic21]

I feel like the elephant in the room is Beal's play. People here for the most part seem to consider him to be a star quality player - but he simply isn't. Right now, he's the 7th best player on a Wiz team that doesn't have 8 quality players. The last 3 games, he's gone 4 of 14, 6 of 16, and 4 of 15; and just as disappointing - he's attempted all of 1 FT in the 3 losses.

Not only that - it seems that every opposing starting 2 puts up all-star level games against him - though I haven't checked the numbers to verify that. The last 3 games, we have gotten killed at his position. Klay Thompson was a model of efficiency and production last night, and I think it's fair to expect Beal to be close to Thompson level at this point. Thompson's a great jump shooter who does not get to the line. And we do have a wing player on the roster that has virtually identical PER and efficiency numbers to Thompson. That player is Webster; not Beal. The Wiz should be using Webster as the model for Beal. They're like... on the same team, so this shouldn't be a difficult concept for the Wiz coach's and front office to understand.

Yes, he's very young, but we need to see progress, and we haven't gotten it at all.

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

Seems Wittmans response to players getting out on him is for him to play that two man game with Gortat and to pump fake and step in and away from the player for a long 2. Thats the only adjustments I have seen.

Beal would look just as good as he did last year if he was sitting there open taking the corner 3.

Things have changed.

And yes, he does have that to impressed with himself thing he needs to get over when he makes a shot. Very Nickish. Just make the basket and get ready to play defense. You can get all happy during the time outs.

Yeah, at one point Beal and Gortat had actually gotten pretty good at doing that. I read something about how Beal was shooting significantly higher with Gortat on the floor.

It's cool to see Beal adding those advanced wrinkles to his game, but I think he relies on that too much every time he wants to create a shot. He needs to just set his mind on trying to get to the basket a certain number of times per game. Gotta use some dribble moves or something to keep the defense off balance, and open up driving lanes.


And he's just learning from the team leader John Wall, who doesn't seem to realize how stupid he looks celebrating every routine layup. The Vince Carter thing was embarrassing.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Fisher, do you think there's a little "too cool for school" vibe in his body lingo? I just want to see a sign that he's willing to out-work his opponents - something like we see from Booker. It's a lot easier to feel good about players when it's clear they're hustling. To see a lack of energy is disappointing.

I'm not sure "too cool for school" accurately describes it... but, I smell a bit of Nene rubbing off on him and on the rest of the team. I was never comfortable with all of the "I need to be super careful because I could hurt myself" stuff I heard from him last year and over the summer.

Obviously, they all need to take care of their bodies. But the best way to do this is to eat well, sleep plenty, ice prophylactically, strengthen and stretch whenever possible.

Nene's way is to not play or to coast whenever possible.

I think one of best ways to get injured is to play in such a way as to avoid getting injured.

I suspect that Beal has taken his foot off the accelerator because he has been counseled that that is the "professional" way to do it. Who's is counseling him? My guess is that it is some of the "veteran" leadership that our genius GM has brought in.

[Ruzious]

Fisher, do you think there's a little "too cool for school" vibe in his body lingo? I just want to see a sign that he's willing to out-work his opponents - something like we see from Booker. It's a lot easier to feel good about players when it's clear they're hustling. To see a lack of energy is disappointing.

I'm not sure "too cool for school" accurately describes it... but, I smell a bit of Nene rubbing off on him and on the rest of the team. I was never comfortable with all of the "I need to be super careful because I could hurt myself" stuff I heard from him last year and over the summer.

Obviously, they all need to take care of their bodies. But the best way to do this is to eat well, sleep plenty, ice prophylactically, strengthen and stretch whenever possible.

Nene's way is to not play or to coast whenever possible.

I think one of best ways to get injured is to play in such a way as to avoid getting injured.

I suspect that Beal has taken his foot off the accelerator because he has been counseled that that is the "professional" way to do it. Who's is counseling him? My guess is that it is some of the "veteran" leadership that our genius GM has brought in.

I don't agree with that because Nene is the only player on the team other than Wall who takes the ball hard to the basket with any kind of consistency. I would love it if more of the Wizards played like Nene.

[DCZards]

Fisher, do you think there's a little "too cool for school" vibe in his body lingo? I just want to see a sign that he's willing to out-work his opponents - something like we see from Booker. It's a lot easier to feel good about players when it's clear they're hustling. To see a lack of energy is disappointing.

I'm not sure "too cool for school" accurately describes it... but, I smell a bit of Nene rubbing off on him and on the rest of the team. I was never comfortable with all of the "I need to be super careful because I could hurt myself" stuff I heard from him last year and over the summer.

Obviously, they all need to take care of their bodies. But the best way to do this is to eat well, sleep plenty, ice prophylactically, strengthen and stretch whenever possible.

Nene's way is to not play or to coast whenever possible.

I think one of best ways to get injured is to play in such a way as to avoid getting injured.

I suspect that Beal has taken his foot off the accelerator because he has been counseled that that is the "professional" way to do it. Who's is counseling him? My guess is that it is some of the "veteran" leadership that our genius GM has brought in.

Nene may have his own health-related reasons for not doing something on the court, but it's a real stretch to suggest that he and/or other players are "counseling" Beal not play hard because of the fear of injury. Beal's teammates (and coaches) may caution him about attempting to throw down a nasty dunk against some of the big trees in the paint (which Beal has indeed tried to do and gotten hammered), but that's far different from suggesting that it's "professional " to coast. I just don't see that happening.

[Zonkerbl]

I think the way to take care of your body is not be 6"10", 250 lbs and play professional basketball for a living. And never have gotten plantar fasciitis.

I think Nene has legitimate, painful injuries right now. I think I was right when I said, last season, when I first learned he had plantar fasciitis, that he would never be healthy again. Because the only way to cure it is rest. Which means he's going to be out of shape. Which means he's going to injure himself trying to get back into shape. At his age it's inevitable. Nene will never be at 100% again. Ever. He's not coasting -- he's broken.

[Ruzious]

What else can we blame on Nene? I think he told Beal to take long 2's instead of 3's. And if Beal gets plantar fasciitis, we'll know the reason - he caught it from Nene.

[jivelikenice]

Beal's issues are poor habits. Part of that cane be put on him, part on the coaches. He also doesn't look as explosive as he did in the preseason which can be attributed to the injuries or ppl taking him out of his comfort spots. Either way its his turn to adjust.

[hands11]

Beal is easily ahead of where Klay Thompson was at age 20. It's apparent that he's going to be a better player than Thompson, at least on the offensive end.

Thompson plays in an superior offensive system with tons of talent around him. In situations where he's forced to create his own shot, he looks just as bad as Beal. The guy can't dribble.

Beal is a highly talented young player and the best SG in his age group. His development right now is suffering as a result of the offensive system around him. He definitely needs to start driving to the basket more. But more often than not, there isn't even space for him to drive, or he's getting the ball too far from the hoop. That falls on Wittman and his offensive ineptitude.

Seems Wittmans response to players getting out on him is for him to play that two man game with Gortat and to pump fake and step in and away from the player for a long 2. Thats the only adjustments I have seen.

Beal would look just as good as he did last year if he was sitting there open taking the corner 3.

Things have changed.

And yes, he does have that to impressed with himself thing he needs to get over when he makes a shot. Very Nickish. Just make the basket and get ready to play defense. You can get all happy during the time outs.

Yeah, at one point Beal and Gortat had actually gotten pretty good at doing that. I read something about how Beal was shooting significantly higher with Gortat on the floor.

It's cool to see Beal adding those advanced wrinkles to his game, but I think he relies on that too much every time he wants to create a shot. He needs to just set his mind on trying to get to the basket a certain number of times per game. Gotta use some dribble moves or something to keep the defense off balance, and open up driving lanes.


And he's just learning from the team leader John Wall, who doesn't seem to realize how stupid he looks celebrating every routine layup. The Vince Carter thing was embarrassing.

Makes me think back to the days of Riggins. He would score a TD and just toss the ball to the refs. His answer to that... "act like you have been there before."

I think a TD is a little more unique then a made basket.

Not to Beal Bash but this cold streak might be good for him. Test his make up. Maybe he learns something.

[hands11]

What else can we blame on Nene? I think he told Beal to take long 2's instead of 3's. And if Beal gets plantar fasciitis, we'll know the reason - he caught it from Nene.

Maynor ? Okafor getting injured ?

Here is a description of the issues.

Why Bradley Beal is often being used poorly

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/7/ ... s-shooting


Wall, Booker and Trevor A have no sense of urgency. I hate seeing players on any non elite teams walking around the court. They haven't earned that right to know when they can get away with that. Unless you are about to cut hard and you are trying to fool the defense, I don't want to see anyone walking around. Get where you need to be. Make some fakes. NO ONE SHOULD BE WALKING WITH THEIR ARMS TO THEIR SIDE.

Randy.. An offensive master mind.

Pops would never tolerate this.

[Hidden Eye]

Beal needs to expand on his game instead of being a jump shooter..

Become a 2nd playmaker so Wall doesn't have to do everything each game and get to the rim/foul line would be good to take his game to the next level.

Some games he stinks it up with poor jump shooting %.

Need somebody who can take pressure off of Wall every game.

[dangermouse]

Is he possibly still feeling that injury? Pre-time off he was driving a fair bit. Post-time off hes turned to mostly long 2's and isnt putting his body on the line half as much as before.

I'd prefer him setting up for 3's than those long 2's if hes going to be a jump shooter for now.

[hands11]

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos ... ame-1-7-14

Who is Beal talking about ? MJ ? Is he saying his mom taught MJ and that MJ used to walk him to school ?

Nice to hear Beal talking about driving more and how he got away from it. If he can more of that in and Wall does some, that will balance things better. It just take a little of it from several players and it will add up. Two drives from from Beal. 3-4 from Wall. One from Webster. One from TA. Then leg Nene and Gortat get their post moves in. That would make the offense more attacking and that will open up the clear 3 ball shots.

Also nice to hear he is getting comfortable with the two man game with Gortat.