A number of developments in Bradley Beal‘s game could help the Wizards two-guard earn his first career All-Star berth, Chase Hughes of CSN Mid-Atlantic writes. Last year, for instance, the guard managed to stay healthy after missing considerable time the previous two seasons and looked to gain confidence attacking the basket as a result.
In 2017/18, with last year to reflect back on, Beal could ride that confidence to a new level. Another component that contributed to Beal’s success last season was his improved ball handling. If that continues, the swingman will be able to slash more competently and maybe even drive up his free-throw attempts as Wizards teammate John Wall has done.
Beal watched his average jump from 17.4 points per game to 23.1 last year and there’s no reason to believe that he can’t continue to thrive heading forward. Still just 24 years old, Beal represents a major part of the core that Wizards owner Ted Leonsis is so eager to keep together.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- The ankle injury that kept Hornets rookie Malik Monk out of summer league is still “significant” and could even limit his availability at the start of the season, Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports writes. In the article, Carbaugh cites two Steve Clifford quotes that Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reported via Twitter. Monk, who was initially said to be out 2-4 weeks, is still regaining his conditioning and recently struggled with a relatively lightweight optional workout.
- After ten consecutive playoff appearances, the Hawks have handed the reins of the team over to their young players, Shaun Powell of NBA.com writes. With little established competition on the team’s depth chart, rookie John Collins could find a way to produce in Year 1.
- The Hornets have every intention of keeping Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in the starting lineup, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer writes. The only tweak to Steve Clifford‘s starting five will be the addition of Dwight Howard in place of Cody Zeller.
Hope this is the year where MKG puts it together
Easy to dismiss the Hawks, but new GM ex-GSW Shlenk has seemingly made all the right calls. They could rebound fast.
Bradley Beal is super nice but it’s disrespectful that CJ McCollum is rated lower than him in 2k18
CJ should definitely be higher. Does anyone know their specific ratings?
Beal – 87
CJ – 86
Not that serious, they’re both very talented players. You cant go wrong with either one.
CJ easily better handle, defense, mid range, 3pt, finishing at the basket, better at creating his own shots, better pick n roll scorer and facilitator, it’s more than just a 1 point rating difference. If Beal is an 86 CJ is 89-90 and Dame is a 91