John Wall---Bradley Beal: Sibling Rivalry?

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

My response to hands11 comment in the Bradley Beal- Part II Thread on Beal regarding John Wall like a big brother (didn't feel like re-wording it in a separate post):

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.


Not certain, but I got the feeling that Beal was turned off by the missed game-tying three-point attempt by John Wall at the end of the Memphis Grizzlies game.

I don't see a duo that's interconnected. When Wall's getting his, Beal isn't. When Beal's getting his, then Wall isn't. It's almost as though the success of one saps the energy and drive of the other. I hope Wall and Beal get it at some point and understand how trivial being the top scorer or perceived leader of the ballclub is to even the most successful and star-studded team's in the league.


As things stand, the duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal have put up twenty points in the same game exactly ONE TIME(resulted in a victory) in 66 games played together, despite both having the capacity to go for twenty-plus every night.

John Wall and Bradley Beal are the future of the Wizards, they need to learn to play together, understand that they are the largely responsible for carrying the team every night and do it TOGETHER.

[Dat2U]

Before we start talking about Beal & Wall not playing well together, lets address the fact that outside of last night, Beal has had like 5 really good games all year. So in general, Beal needs to play better and more consistently before he can start puffing out his chest like he's carrying the team and get upset because Wall took the final shot. Wall has basically carried the team all season. One game doesn't really change that fact. Except for those who might have all along felt Beal was the better player or should be... and have bashed Wall at every opportunity because of their own personal gripes.

[Dark Faze]

It's inevitable for them to have synergy as soon as Beal becomes more consistent. Wall feeds him all the time and he misses. Last night was an outlier.

Beal will get there but these two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

It's inevitable for them to have synergy as soon as Beal becomes more consistent. Wall feeds him all the time and he misses. Last night was an outlier.

Beal will get there but these two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Seems like Beal has the best chance to go off when he's a bit more ball-dominant...

Beal came out different last night, I don't know what changed, was like he told himself it was his turn to drop something big on the Grizzlies after Wall's 47 last year. Big points don't bother me so long as nobody is completely alienated from the action. I want both Wall and Beal to go off the same night and then make it a habit. They're capable. Not sure Randy Wittman's offensive philosophy will allow for it, but they're capable.

[hands11]

Before we start talking about Beal & Wall not playing well together, lets address the fact that outside of last night, Beal has had like 5 really good games all year. So in general, Beal needs to play better and more consistently before he can start puffing out his chest like he's carrying the team and get upset because Wall took the final shot. Wall has basically carried the team all season. One game doesn't really change that fact. Except for those who might have all along felt Beal was the better player or should be... and have bashed Wall at every opportunity because of their own personal gripes.

Maybe, but it is worth a closer look.

Wall had this problem last year with Crawford as well. Often when Crawford played well, Wall didn't. I think there may be something to this idea.

This is why in other threads I had played with line ups that created scenario where all stages of Wall game could be used. I think Wall needs some moments on the court where he is the primary scorer ( without Beal ). Just seems to need that to really get involved and get his energy up.

I think there are also times where he needs to feed his teammates and play facilitator and just fill in where needed. If not, the teams energy is low and Wall fades defensively.

Now if he had more of the skills we saw from Nick Calathes last night where he is probing the defense all the time, getting angles for passing and scoring just reading and reacting, then he could blend both into one thing. But right now, Wall is more the type that decides what he is going to do then tries to do it. He is either driving to score, driving to pass, passing or setting up his shot.

I think that is a problem because to fix it, you would need to bring Beal off the bench and I don't see them doing that. Wall and Temple played well as a starting combo last year when Beal was off the bench returning from injury.

This was cover lots in the line ups threads. Its not an easy or popular decision to make but given where Wall is in skills, it might be more effective. Specially since Beal seems to only get up for the better teams and Wall only gets up for the better PGs.

This could well be what is in play regarding the two of them being so up and down and not on the same page game in and game out.

Something to consider.

[TGW]

Before we start talking about Beal & Wall not playing well together, lets address the fact that outside of last night, Beal has had like 5 really good games all year. So in general, Beal needs to play better and more consistently before he can start puffing out his chest like he's carrying the team and get upset because Wall took the final shot. Wall has basically carried the team all season. One game doesn't really change that fact. Except for those who might have all along felt Beal was the better player or should be... and have bashed Wall at every opportunity because of their own personal gripes.

Agreed. Beal needs to improve drastically to be remotely close to being on Wall's level.

On a side note, I hate both of their body language when they don't get their way—especially Beal.

[deneem4]

Wall and beal together should average 40 attempts per game and at least 15 free throw attempts...they have to provide offense until we get a reliable big...

[Kanyewest]

I can understand why Beal had bad body language. That was a terrible possession by Wall. He didn't have to settle for a 3 pointer- he could have attacked the paint and gone for a quick 2. The fact that the Wizards needed a 3 pointer to tie game shows that Wall shouldn't be taking the shot. I would rather have Beal, Webster, or Ariza taking that shot. (I'm not sure why Webster wasn't in the game)

[SizzlinSimms]

The play was busted from Nene's awful pass to nothing.

[dlts20]

I can understand why Beal had bad body language. That was a terrible possession by Wall. He didn't have to settle for a 3 pointer- he could have attacked the paint and gone for a quick 2. The fact that the Wizards needed a 3 pointer to tie game shows that Wall shouldn't be taking the shot. I would rather have Beal, Webster, or Ariza taking that shot. (I'm not sure why Webster wasn't in the game)

I dissagree. He may have attacked if the play was for him but he didnt attack because he was trying to get the ball to Beal the whole time until the end

[dlts20]

I also dont think there is any sibling rivalry going on. They play great together. This isnt Irving-Waitiers. They are playing off eachother perfectly. They just arent playing well. Still, you never get the feeling that they dont mix or anything. They look like a perfect mix. They just havent been consistent together yet but its no oil & water stuff.

Also, you cant compare to vets like Lebron & Wade who have had a ton of success to 2 young guys with no success. Its not the same thing at all. Wall is still trying to figure his own stuff out, let alone trying to tell Beal how its suppose to be done. That comes with experience and playoff games. Also, dont forget that Wall missed the whole 1st half of last season and Beal missed alot of games down the stretch. Then this year Beal missed alot at the start again. They really havent even played that much together

[Kanyewest]

I can understand why Beal had bad body language. That was a terrible possession by Wall. He didn't have to settle for a 3 pointer- he could have attacked the paint and gone for a quick 2. The fact that the Wizards needed a 3 pointer to tie game shows that Wall shouldn't be taking the shot. I would rather have Beal, Webster, or Ariza taking that shot. (I'm not sure why Webster wasn't in the game)

I dissagree. He may have attacked if the play was for him but he didnt attack because he was trying to get the ball to Beal the whole time until the end

Wall could have easily given it to Beal when Beal flashed toward the half court line IMO.

[SizzlinSimms]

This is a horrible stretch from a horrible play. On twitter and **** they constantly repost and retweet each others stuff. I'm pretty sure Beal and Wall are close.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

This is a horrible stretch from a horrible play. On twitter and **** they constantly repost and retweet each others stuff. I'm pretty sure Beal and Wall are close.

I'm not doubting their friendship whatsoever, I just question the depth of it. When you say you're like brothers to me that suggests a pretty deep relationship. Look at the McDermott's at Creighton, they're actual relatives. Greg McDermott can be seen digging into Doug McDermott when necessary for the greater good of the team. Will their relationship be tarnished in the process? It won't.

I get the impression that Wall and Beal don't want to step on each others toes so they either remain silent and hang their heads when things go awry or if they do express themselves it's not really from the heart with any passion behind it. I think this is true with the Wizards as a whole...

Tweeting is great, but I'm talking passionate on-court communication when it's necessary.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

I also dont think there is any sibling rivalry going on. They play great together. This isnt Irving-Waitiers. They are playing off eachother perfectly. They just arent playing well. Still, you never get the feeling that they dont mix or anything. They look like a perfect mix. They just havent been consistent together yet but its no oil & water stuff.

Also, you cant compare to vets like Lebron & Wade who have had a ton of success to 2 young guys with no success. Its not the same thing at all. Wall is still trying to figure his own stuff out, let alone trying to tell Beal how its suppose to be done. That comes with experience and playoff games. Also, dont forget that Wall missed the whole 1st half of last season and Beal missed alot of games down the stretch. Then this year Beal missed alot at the start again. They really havent even played that much together

I'm not suggesting they have a bad relationship. They aren't Irving and Waiters. There is no bad blood.

When Wall shouts 'This my team!' during moments of excitement after a personal accomplishment it makes me wonder if Wall hasn't engaged in a personal power struggle with any teammate that might leapfrog him as 'leader' of the team.

Wall's a team player, but l feel being the 'head guy' can take precedence over playing the right way at times; I think Beal can try to show that he has just as much worth to the team as Wall at times and it works against him and the team. Very trivial stuff when you look at the bigger picture.

This is all I mean. I'm not suggesting there's hatred, because there isn't.

[Dat2U]

I'm not suggesting they have a bad relationship. They aren't Irving and Waiters. There is no bad blood.

When Wall shouts 'This my team!' during moments of excitement after a personal accomplishment it makes me wonder if Wall hasn't engaged in a personal power struggle with any teammate that might leapfrog him as 'leader' of the team.

Wall's a team player, but l feel being the 'head guy' can take precedence over playing the right way at times; I think Beal can try to show that he has just as much worth to the team as Wall at times and it works against him and the team. Very trivial stuff when you look at the bigger picture.

This is all I mean. I'm not suggesting there's hatred, because there isn't.

How do you engage in a power struggle with someone that isn't very good yet?

I know we all have extremely high hopes for Bradley, but he's only 20 and not even a reliable player at this stage. One 37 pt game doesn't change that.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

I'm not suggesting they have a bad relationship. They aren't Irving and Waiters. There is no bad blood.

When Wall shouts 'This my team!' during moments of excitement after a personal accomplishment it makes me wonder if Wall hasn't engaged in a personal power struggle with any teammate that might leapfrog him as 'leader' of the team.

Wall's a team player, but l feel being the 'head guy' can take precedence over playing the right way at times; I think Beal can try to show that he has just as much worth to the team as Wall at times and it works against him and the team. Very trivial stuff when you look at the bigger picture.

This is all I mean. I'm not suggesting there's hatred, because there isn't.

How do you engage in a power struggle with someone that isn't very good yet?

I know we all have extremely high hopes for Bradley, but he's only 20 and not even a reliable player at this stage. One 37 pt game doesn't change that.

I hardly have an overblown opinion of Bradley Beal's greatness, he needs to add to his game in order to be a consistently effective player, with that said, I think saying he isn't very good is a little harsh. When I think of a young player that isn't very good yet, Anthony Bennett comes to mind.


I've read different opinions from fans on what the Wizards need to do in order to improve the team. In one of them, I believe it was from a different Wizards site, a fan expressed something to the effect that the Wizards could afford to and should trade John Wall because he believed Bradley Beal was the future of the Wizards.

If being perceived as a the cornerstone of the franchise is of great importance to Wall---I hope it isn't---then it's possible for him to be threatened by any other player's potential alone.

[Darko Miliminutes]

Good problem to have?? Very young backcourt, absolutely bursting with talent, that hasn't learned to play consistently together yet.

In this era of now, now, now, everybody needs to be gratified now, now, now. Ya need a better coach, a high quality big, much better bench, and most importantly..........PATIENCE. Your 2 talented youngs, are; well they're young.

I'm an older fella, so maybe it's easier for me to be patient. Heck, i'm really looking forward to off season improvements. Wall working with Durant, and other stars. Beal practicing with team USA.

I'm one of those weirdos that thinks Beal's going to become just as valuable as Wall. But the kid is just 20. It'll take some time for his game to develop. And Wall seems to be very driven to be a big star. Which can be a very good thing. But that will mean learning from mistakes that he makes.

Until they have a coach that can keep them from looking like chickens with their heads cut off, and actually executing sets, with confidence. For the time being we're just going to have to settle for individual progress. Theses 2 won't play great together until somebody makes them. Well not consistently anyhow.

[dlts20]

I also dont think there is any sibling rivalry going on. They play great together. This isnt Irving-Waitiers. They are playing off eachother perfectly. They just arent playing well. Still, you never get the feeling that they dont mix or anything. They look like a perfect mix. They just havent been consistent together yet but its no oil & water stuff.

Also, you cant compare to vets like Lebron & Wade who have had a ton of success to 2 young guys with no success. Its not the same thing at all. Wall is still trying to figure his own stuff out, let alone trying to tell Beal how its suppose to be done. That comes with experience and playoff games. Also, dont forget that Wall missed the whole 1st half of last season and Beal missed alot of games down the stretch. Then this year Beal missed alot at the start again. They really havent even played that much together

I'm not suggesting they have a bad relationship. They aren't Irving and Waiters. There is no bad blood.

When Wall shouts 'This my team!' during moments of excitement after a personal accomplishment it makes me wonder if Wall hasn't engaged in a personal power struggle with any teammate that might leapfrog him as 'leader' of the team.

Wall's a team player, but l feel being the 'head guy' can take precedence over playing the right way at times; I think Beal can try to show that he has just as much worth to the team as Wall at times and it works against him and the team. Very trivial stuff when you look at the bigger picture.

This is all I mean. I'm not suggesting there's hatred, because there isn't.

well I dont mind Wall saying that since he is the Franchise player and he ususally takes responsibility for bad play (even if he doesnt always act on what he's saying). Now with Beal I agree 110% but I think its a personal thing that has nothing to do with Wall. I talked about it coming into the season. I think his success late last year, combined with his offseason work, and definitely combined with his top notch Preseason made him super cocky coming into the year. You could tell he truly thought he was going to be an All Star and the 1st or 2nd best SG in the East.

He felt he could average 25ppg. There is no doubt in my mind. He was cocky and was going to gun. Then the season started and defenses totally changed the way they played him in Preseason. Instead of taking blame for bad play, he still shot a ton and talked about how his teammates and coaches have to do a better job of getting him the ball in scoring oppurtunites. I even said that Beal is teh main guy who I think Nene was ripping at the begining of the year even though everyone assumed it was Wall.

Why would it be Wall when John was playing super passive to start the season? All he did was pass and not attackk. Beal was the one jacking and missing everything. I think his attitude has calmed alot now and he has been humbled but he still believes in himself. Overall it was a good thing to show him he wasnt ready for no 25ppg Superstar type hype yet. I think both (especially Wall) just want to get this All Star stuff out the way and then they can let loose in the 2nd half like they did last season

[tontoz]

They need to start playing better. That is the bottom line. Other than spot up 3s Beal has basically sucked offensively. Wall still turns it over too much, shoots too many long 2s and his j is still weak.

I don't think rivalry is the issue. I think poor play is the issue. Wall is obviously better but both have a long way to go to reach their potential. To me Beal has been a disappointment so far this season.