Bradley Beal - Part II

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

Bradley Beal has a selfishness about him. I've seen too many times where he's gone to the basket trying for a score instead of making the extra pass to a teammate for an easy basket...he should've made the extra pass to Ariza on that play late in the game.

[hands11]

Will BB get an exception from Silver allowing him to substitute long twos for threes in the contest?

Ba Dump

Good one.

Hey, maybe practicing and shooting set shot catch and shoot style 3s will remind him how to do it in games. Beal took 15 shots tonight. 1 was a 3 pt attempt.

Webster took 10 shots. All where 3 pt attempts.

[miller31time]

Bradley Beal has a selfishness about him. I've seen too many times where he's gone to the basket trying for a score instead of making the extra pass to a teammate for an easy basket...he should've made the extra pass to Ariza on that play late in the game.

I wouldn't call it selfish. The guy does get a good amount of assists.

I'd say he simply lacks the understanding of what a high percentage shot is and what he's good at.

He's not taking an abnormal amount of shots nor are they always contested. He just misses a crapload of them because he's not a high percentage shooter, despite his gaudy reputation.

[JWizmentality]

Beal is a scrub to me now. Every time I hear some talking head rave about our "backcourt of the future" I cringe a little inside.

[hands11]

Bradley Beal has a selfishness about him. I've seen too many times where he's gone to the basket trying for a score instead of making the extra pass to a teammate for an easy basket...he should've made the extra pass to Ariza on that play late in the game.

I wouldn't call it selfish. The guy does get a good amount of assists.

I'd say he simply lacks the understanding of what a high percentage shot is and what he's good at.

He's not taking an abnormal amount of shots nor are they always contested. He just misses a crapload of them because he's not a high percentage shooter, despite his gaudy reputation.

Would be interesting to see his catch and shoot numbers vs pull ups off the dribble excluding layups.

Beal has shot 19/59 on fg and 3/12 from 3 over the past four games

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

Bradley Beal has a selfishness about him. I've seen too many times where he's gone to the basket trying for a score instead of making the extra pass to a teammate for an easy basket...he should've made the extra pass to Ariza on that play late in the game.

I wouldn't call it selfish. The guy does get a good amount of assists.

I'd say he simply lacks the understanding of what a high percentage shot is and what he's good at.

He's not taking an abnormal amount of shots nor are they always contested. He just misses a crapload of them because he's not a high percentage shooter, despite his gaudy reputation.

I feel like he sometimes forces the issue if he's in a lull and sees John Wall getting his...that's what I mean by selfish. I think his forced attempt at the layup came after Wall got the team closer scoring five straight. I thought an extra pass to Ariza was a no-brainer.

I don't think Beal's a bad guy by any means, nevertheless, I think he would gladly walk away from the Wizards in free agency. Believe he feels he's in Wall's shadow...

[jivelikenice]

Beal is a scrub to me now. Every time I hear some talking head rave about our "backcourt of the future" I cringe a little inside.

I don't agree he's a scrub but I am tired of talk about this backcourt. Until Beal starts carrying his own weight that backcourt talk needs to end. Additionally he needs to just play better before he complains about others shot selection, delays, gym temperature, etc...he is in no position to be critical of anyone until he steps up.

[hands11]

Bradley Beal has a selfishness about him. I've seen too many times where he's gone to the basket trying for a score instead of making the extra pass to a teammate for an easy basket...he should've made the extra pass to Ariza on that play late in the game.

I wouldn't call it selfish. The guy does get a good amount of assists.

I'd say he simply lacks the understanding of what a high percentage shot is and what he's good at.

He's not taking an abnormal amount of shots nor are they always contested. He just misses a crapload of them because he's not a high percentage shooter, despite his gaudy reputation.

I feel like he sometimes forces the issue if he's in a lull and sees John Wall getting his...that's what I mean by selfish. I think his forced attempt at the layup came after Wall got the team closer scoring five straight. I thought an extra pass to Ariza was a no-brainer.

I don't think Beal's a bad guy by any means, nevertheless, I think he would gladly walk away from the Wizards in free agency. Believe he feels he's in Wall's shadow...

I think its not a shadow thing. He called Wall his big brother. I think he is trying to pull his weight. Its just that he is also working on expanding his game and he is still learning. I mentioned recently that just over the last 3 games he has changed his footwork. His foot work after catching the ball is much tighter now which is good. Its a fundamentals small step in process type thing but its going to help him get open quicker or get a first step on player quicker. He is a work in progress.

He also had at least 3 assists in the first quarter. He was even with Wall at that point. But he ended with 5 so he only had 2 the other 3 quarters. And he had only 1 rebound. He has done better then that in the past.

Beal held them back tonight. No doubt. He needs to continue to mature. Mostly he needs to learn to get motivated and stay modivated. He is always commenting on how he didn't come out with energy. Well he needs to fix that or some how the team needs to help him fix that. Players need to start pumping each other up. A little KG crazy pump you up can help at times.

Maybe its time for another Nene call out.

Beal is still very much is a work in progress. He needs to learn from these failures. But he is learning. I have seen progress from him. He just hasn't put it all together yet. It might take another offseason for him to get there. Still needs to mature more. Like Wall, its a process. Look at Wall's 3 ball this year. .328 on 3.6 attempts. He was .267 on 1 attempt last year. At times it looked like his J was broken and he would never be able to shoot well but now look at him. Also his FT shooting is up to .842 from .804 last year. Just has to get his attempts up again.

Wall used to be very up and down. As time goes on, he is leveling out more. In time that should happen for Beal as well.

[DCZards]

^^^^^Good post, hands. Pretty much my exact same thoughts on Beal. People need to remember that Double B is a 20 yr old, second year player who is going to be up-and-down and inconsistent. And who, despite his mature demeanor and conversation, is still growing and learning on and off the court.

I'm still as excited about Beal's future and potential as I was when the Zards drafted him...as well as the potential of a Wall- Beal backcourt. And some bumps in the road is going to change that. We just need to be patient.

[jivelikenice]

I haven't wavered on his potential, but I do find it disturbing that his strength coming out was shooting and he hasn't shot well. Additionally they need to reign him back in until he starts playing better. Not having a viable backup for him was another miss by Ernie...Shocker.

[hands11]

^^^^^Good post, hands. Pretty much my exact same thoughts on Beal. People need to remember that Double B is a 20 yr old, second year player who is going to be up-and-down and inconsistent. And who, despite his mature demeanor and conversation, is still growing and learning on and off the court.

I'm still as excited about Beal's future and potential as I was when the Zards drafted him...as well as the potential of a Wall- Beal backcourt. And some bumps in the road is going to change that. We just need to be patient.

Thanks

I just did a long post in the Randy Coaches thread but here is a shorter version of it. I think Randy trusts Wall, TA, Nene and Gortat to prepare themselves for the games so they are ready. I think its Beal who is struggling to come prepared and focused game in and game out but I think so far this year, he has been patient with him and given him every opportunity to succeed or fail on his own merits. His failures are learning experiences and that's what Randy felt Beal needed to experience being so young. Its something a young player needs to go through. Wall went though it for 3 years.

I think Randy has been very apprehensive to do anything viewed as to harsh to Beal since he is so young, talented and has been through injuries. But unlike with Wall, Randy actually has a viable plan B behind Beal, its Webster. And unlike when Wall got here, this team actually has the talent to win against the best.

I think things are about to change in how Randy approaches Beal and the team. Beal got 1.5 years of default starter to get his experience. But now its onto the playoff run. AS break is almost here. Now its more about the team and Wall then it is about Beal. If it ends up that Beal is the SG off the bench, then I think Randy will do that. That's what I think is on the table right now. The bus is leaving the station for the playoffs. The bar is getting raised. The franchise need to win and attract FAs. I'm fine with that. And I think it could actually be good for Beal to have the bar raised. It will make him better in the long run.

That's what I think is coming. Only question is what's the right time to do it and what's the right approach. Do you shorten the leash on Beal and make him play looking over his shoulder, or just move him to the bench. And when? I think this is what's coming. Its at least the shot Randy is going to shoot over Beals left shoulder. Does it matter if he does this right now before the AS break? Actually I don't think it does. Actually it could be a relief for Beal by taking some of the pressure off him that he isn't mature enough to take on.

So don't be shocked if you see this very soon.

Wall
Webster/Beal
Trevor A
Nene
Gortat

Its an option I called for earlier in the year. But I get why Randy waited so long to do it. It was more about Beal developing to win more long term then winning more right then. But for a team looking to make noise in the playoffs, Webster is better able to take that load on his shoulders then Beal is. Gotta think about the team at this point.

[jivelikenice]

They really should have gone with beal off the bench during his 30 minute restriction period. I don't know if Randy is will to bench beal but he may be quicker to pull him going forward. I'd just like Beal to take more responsibility. He's subtly criticized others at times....time for him to step up and admit that he's been playing poorly. Aside from just saying it, he needs to approach the game in that manner versus making the same mistakes repeatedly. Doing the same thing that's not working (long 2s) does not show me that he's getting what it takes...

[DCZards]

They really should have gone with beal off the bench during his 30 minute restriction period. I don't know if Randy is will to bench beal but he may be quicker to pull him going forward. I'd just like Beal to take more responsibility. He's subtly criticized others at times....time for him to step up and admit that he's been playing poorly. Aside from just saying it, he needs to approach the game in that manner versus making the same mistakes repeatedly. Doing the same thing that's not working (long 2s) does not show me that he's getting what it takes...

Yup, Beal is still taking too many long 2s but it's also been obvious that he's making more of an effort to attack the basket. He said himself that that's something he has to do more of. But the kid is going to make mistakes while he's going through these growing pains...and sometimes he's going to make the same mistake more than once.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

I wouldn't call it selfish. The guy does get a good amount of assists.

I'd say he simply lacks the understanding of what a high percentage shot is and what he's good at.

He's not taking an abnormal amount of shots nor are they always contested. He just misses a crapload of them because he's not a high percentage shooter, despite his gaudy reputation.

I feel like he sometimes forces the issue if he's in a lull and sees John Wall getting his...that's what I mean by selfish. I think his forced attempt at the layup came after Wall got the team closer scoring five straight. I thought an extra pass to Ariza was a no-brainer.

I don't think Beal's a bad guy by any means, nevertheless, I think he would gladly walk away from the Wizards in free agency. Believe he feels he's in Wall's shadow...

I think its not a shadow thing. He called Wall his big brother. I think he is trying to pull his weight. Its just that he is also working on expanding his game and he is still learning. I mentioned recently that just over the last 3 games he has changed his footwork. His foot work after catching the ball is much tighter now which is good. Its a fundamentals small step in process type thing but its going to help him get open quicker or get a first step on player quicker. He is a work in progress.

He also had at least 3 assists in the first quarter. He was even with Wall at that point. But he ended with 5 so he only had 2 the other 3 quarters. And he had only 1 rebound. He has done better then that in the past.

Beal held them back tonight. No doubt. He needs to continue to mature. Mostly he needs to learn to get motivated and stay modivated. He is always commenting on how he didn't come out with energy. Well he needs to fix that or some how the team needs to help him fix that. Players need to start pumping each other up. A little KG crazy pump you up can help at times.

Maybe its time for another Nene call out.

Beal is still very much is a work in progress. He needs to learn from these failures. But he is learning. I have seen progress from him. He just hasn't put it all together yet. It might take another offseason for him to get there. Still needs to mature more. Like Wall, its a process. Look at Wall's 3 ball this year. .328 on 3.6 attempts. He was .267 on 1 attempt last year. At times it looked like his J was broken and he would never be able to shoot well but now look at him. Also his FT shooting is up to .842 from .804 last year. Just has to get his attempts up again.

Wall used to be very up and down. As time goes on, he is leveling out more. In time that should happen for Beal as well.

I just need to hear Beal himself say the things that everybody else states regarding his development before I feel comfortable with what he is at the present. There was so much pressure on Wall to live up to his status being a former top pick in the draft; everyone knew Wall needed to work on his outside shot, but most importantly Wall understood this. I always defended Wall when people on this board would doubt his potential, because his drive to improve and be the best player that he could be was clear as day to me. However, I'm not sure as much pressure is on Beal. He was known as a great shooter, especially from behind the three point line coming out of college and he has pretty much lived up to that in his first two seasons as a pro. And for it, he's been rewarded with two consecutive trips to All-Star Weekend.

Just hearing Beal say that his midrange game is an area that he plans to work on would go a long way with me personally. I'd know he's far from being content with his current game and accomplishments.

Wall's drive to get better was evident, I think Otto Porter is built the same way, I need to hear Beal express an understanding of where he struggles and also express a deep down determination to improve in those areas.


I don't care about the whole big brother talk, as far as I'm concerned it's false. If Wall and Beal are that close they should be able to address each other on court when one feels the other is straying from play conducive to winning. Lebron and Wade do it all the time, KG would be right there in Paul Pierce's face, Durant and Westbrook have had their moments, but it was all understood that they could speak in tones that appeared harsh because they knew it was real, necessary, and that no bonds would be broken.

I've seen plenty of moments when Wall was unintentionally overdoing things on the court that did more hurt to the team than good, and all Beal could be seen doing in these moments was sulking. Those are the moments when you express yourself, I think those are moments that have the most potential to build the most genuine and strongest bonds.

[hands11]

They really should have gone with beal off the bench during his 30 minute restriction period. I don't know if Randy is will to bench beal but he may be quicker to pull him going forward. I'd just like Beal to take more responsibility. He's subtly criticized others at times....time for him to step up and admit that he's been playing poorly. Aside from just saying it, he needs to approach the game in that manner versus making the same mistakes repeatedly. Doing the same thing that's not working (long 2s) does not show me that he's getting what it takes...

I also felt that was a good time to do it, but like I posted, I think I may have stumbled into why he didn't then. I think Beal was being given every chance possible to live in the shoes that are his future so he gained that experience. I think he probably learned a lot. But now, no one is bigger then the team, Wall and the franchises need to attract players.

So if more Webster is what Randy is about to do, being objective, why not just go to Webster as the starter instead of short leashing Beal and asking him to do something he isn't ready for mentally when Webster already is ? Webster is more mature and can handle it. He will show up prepared every game. He has also been on of the core team leaders dating back to the start of last year. He also understands he needs to take the 3 shot instead of the long 2 so he doesn't have to adjust that part of his game. He also gets a record amount of and 1s on his 3 balls. Its not like Beal still isn't going to get minutes and chances to contribute. They are still going to need a lot from Beal off the bench.

Plus, I have seen Webster focus in before at a level that he will also drive and rebound. Think back to Webster starting last year. He was awesome. And he was a motivational leader.

I think it just way more likely to lead to success to allow Webster to step up to match the level of play of Wall, TA, Nene and Gortat then it is to expect Beal to be able to mature that quickly. Beal will still learn a tons from this playoff experience. And lots will still be asked of him. The difference is only in how much pressure is going to be put on his shoulders and how much stop light when the team fails. He is only 20 years old. Better to let the men be the men and lead. Let Beal have another summer to work on expanding his game and his mind.

I think that is what Randy is about to do. And I think it will raise the bar for the entire team by removing Beals inexperience as a distraction. With this line up, I also think we will see more of Nene's A game.

Wall, Webster, Trevor A, Nene and Gortat ... That's a pretty mature line up and gives Wall the best chance to grow. I also think that group will challenge each other to play right and get better.

Wall 23. 6-4
Webster 27, 6-7
Trevor A 28, 6-8
Nene 31, 6-11
Gortat 29, 6-11

That's a big line up and a pretty mature group with Wall being the youngest. But Wall can hang. He has matured nicely and has newly found AS confidence. You mix in Temple 27 and Booker 26 in there and I think you can maintain focus and maturity. Those two will bring energy every game. I think it would be easier to mix the 20 year old Beal into that off the bench with starters and bench players after the starters have establish the tone.

Watching that from the bench should give him to time he needs to get his head in the game. Then he only has to match their level, not be a part of creating the level. Its the difference between leading and following. Probably easier for him to follow at this stage of his career. Watch and learn. Webster is just a more mature, disciplined, smarter player right now. And he is the more efficient scorer on the team. TS .612 and only USG of 15%. Let Wall find Webster more often and get that USG up.

Start him

[jivelikenice]

They really should have gone with beal off the bench during his 30 minute restriction period. I don't know if Randy is will to bench beal but he may be quicker to pull him going forward. I'd just like Beal to take more responsibility. He's subtly criticized others at times....time for him to step up and admit that he's been playing poorly. Aside from just saying it, he needs to approach the game in that manner versus making the same mistakes repeatedly. Doing the same thing that's not working (long 2s) does not show me that he's getting what it takes...

Yup, Beal is still taking too many long 2s but it's also been obvious that he's making more of an effort to attack the basket. He said himself that that's something he has to do more of. But the kid is going to make mistakes while he's going through these growing pains...and sometimes he's going to make the same mistake more than once.

Growing pains are fine, but reign him in while he works his way through them. Shooting 15/16 shots a game isn't a prerequisite to him developing. At least not until he shows a better on court approach.

[DCZards]

So don't be shocked if you see this very soon.

Wall
Webster/Beal
Trevor A
Nene
Gortat

Its an option I called for earlier in the year. But I get why Randy waited so long to do it. It was more about Beal developing to win more long term then winning more right then. But for a team looking to make noise in the playoffs, Webster is better able to take that load on his shoulders then Beal is. Gotta think about the team at this point.

I don't think Randy will or should start Webster over Beal. If Beal is struggling, Webster is there to come off the bench to replace him...that might even mean that Webster regularly plays more minutes than Beal and closes out the games. But I'd continue to start Beal.

The biggest problem I have with Webster is that he's not a very good ballhandler or passer, which puts more pressure on Wall when he's in the game. Beal may be a mediocre ballhandler and so-so passer but he's better than Webster in both areas.

[nate33]

Clearly, other teams are trying to chase Beal off the 3-point line, but I think another problem is that Beal is ALLOWING them to chase him off the line. Oftentimes, when he catches the ball on a kick-out, he has enough time to shoot, but instead does the pump fake and steps in for a long 2 just because he sees a player running at him.

He needs to learn from Webster. Webster only does the pump-fake-step-in-for-2 if he absolutely has to. If he has a sliver of space to get off his 3-point shot, he'll take the shot.

What's frustrating is that, last year, Beal was much better at getting up that 3-point shot with a defender running at him. It's like he has suddenly believes that defenders are longer and faster than they really are. Keep it simple, Bradley! Just take the dang 3-pointer.

[nate33]

So don't be shocked if you see this very soon.

Wall
Webster/Beal
Trevor A
Nene
Gortat

Its an option I called for earlier in the year. But I get why Randy waited so long to do it. It was more about Beal developing to win more long term then winning more right then. But for a team looking to make noise in the playoffs, Webster is better able to take that load on his shoulders then Beal is. Gotta think about the team at this point.

I don't think Randy will or should start Webster over Beal. If Beal is struggling, Webster is there to come off the bench to replace him...that might even mean that Webster regularly plays more minutes than Beal and closes out the games. But I'd continue to start Beal.

The biggest problem I have with Webster is that he's not a very good ballhandler or passer, which puts more pressure on Wall when he's in the game. Beal may be a mediocre ballhandler and so-so passer but he's better than Webster in both areas.

Also, his current rotation has Beal in the game when Wall sits. While that makes Beal a less efficient player, it's still better than having Temple and Webster share the backcourt. We can't even get into offensive sets when those two are at guard.

[pancakes3]

He needs to learn from Webster. Webster only does the pump-fake-step-in-for-2 if he absolutely has to. If he has a sliver of space to get off his 3-point shot, he'll take the shot.

Webster is fearless in the face of closeouts to the point where he thrives on someone coming at him. Cite? He's one of the best 4-point-play guys in the league.