Washington Wizards want Bradley Beal to be more aggressive – NBA News
Bradley Beal is proving to the Washington Wizards that they made a good decision in drafting him with their third pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Beal has had a busy summer so far, going straight into summer league after being drafted. And what a summer league the rookie had.
Beal averaged 17.6 points per game in four game and made it to the All Summer league team. He is a solid player who lets the game come to him and plays with a poise and calm that few in the NBA command.
However, there are still a few areas where the Wizards would like the young guard to improve on.
The 6 foot 5 shooting guard averaged only 41 percent from the field, including 30 percent from distance during the 10 day event, an area where he needs to work on and improve. However, it was his level of aggressiveness that the Wizards were more concerned about, pushing him to come out of his natural pace and make things happen.
Beal is considered an unselfish player, who tries to get the team started around him and is always looking for the open player or the easy finish.
Wizards assistant coach Sam Cassell was seen talking up the rookie to play with more aggression and sort of press on in games during the summer league.
“Honestly, if I feel as though I’m open, coach is going to tell me to shoot it. It’s times I was open and passed and coach got all on my head, so I mean, certain situations, I’m an unselfish player. I’d rather get somebody else going. I’ll eventually get going myself. That’s just my mentality. But it’s really just staying focused and staying within the flow of the game, actually,” said Beal as reported by Michael Lee of the Washington Post.
Beal will be playing alongside John Wall next year, who is known for his aggressiveness, ability to penetrate into the paint and force the matter. With a player like Wall already on the team, Beal would be better suited to play the role of a facilitator and play maker, allowing the game to flow and making that extra pass under pressure that results in an open look for the team.
However Wall can be inconsistent and what that happens Beal has to be ready to step up. If the two guards puts himself in more of a facilitator shell, there can be problems for the Wizards, who are looking to finally make it big this NBA season.
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