The Wizards need to figure out the source of Bradley Beal‘s frustration and address it right away, writes David Aldridge of The Athletic. Beal lashed out at the team’s “culture” after a tough loss Wednesday in Chicago and said he was frustrated to keep seeing “winnable games” slip away. A source tells Aldridge it was the angriest he has seen Beal since he came to Washington in 2012.
Aldridge notes that the organization went through a major culture change during the offseason, possibly sparked by a similar tirade from Beal last year. Tommy Sheppard replaced Ernie Grunfeld as general manager and upgraded the Wizards’ development staff and pro personnel office. The team now values analytics and second-round draft picks and has a direct relationship with its G League affiliate.
With those changes in place, Aldridge suggests that Beal is now upset about the culture inside the locker room, specifically a lax approach to defense. Whatever the issue is, Aldridge notes that Beal has plenty of close friends around the league who would love to play alongside him. He signed a two-year extension in October, but could start looking for a way out if things don’t improve next season.
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- John Wall participated in a “controlled” four-on-four scrimmage with teammates at today’s practice, tweets Fred Katz of The Athletic. It’s a step up for Wall, who had been playing four-on-four with the player development staff. He has also taken part in three-on-two and two-on-one drills with other Wizards players, said coach Scott Brooks (Twitter link), who added that he still isn’t sure if Wall will try to return this season.
- Jordan McRae‘s ankle injury appears less serious than the Wizards originally feared, Katz adds (Twitter link). McRae was in a walking boot after Friday’s game, but he was able to practice today as a limited participant.
- Sheppard is restoring fans’ faith in the front office with a series of successful moves, observes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. First-round pick Rui Hachimura looked like a solid NBA player before his injury, while Davis Bertans, Moritz Wagner and Isaac Bonga were all acquired for virtually nothing in return. Sheppard also opted to sign Ish Smith instead of giving a big contract to Tomas Satoransky, and has gotten good production from Garrison Mathews, Anzejs Pasecniks and Gary Payton II.
I’d find it funny that Beal were upset about a “lax approach to defense”… it’s not as if he’s leading by example.
The Wizards have the worst case of nba hell of any team in the league. Bad salaries, second round ceiling, drafting between 17-23, and no way out of it.
That is what everyone said about the Heat last year.
Heat got lucky the Sixers dealt with them and not Houston. That’s all. Without Butler this team isn’t anything special. If Richardson and Waiters are playing, Nunn and Herro wouldn’t be as showcased. Wizards have had terrible contracts tho. Mahinmi, Porter, Wall. Each deal has been an epic failure. They got some luck by Chicago trading for Porter. If Wall doesn’t look anything like his old self, they can only ride the contract out, stretch and waive, or trade him for CP3 and they would probably have to attach at least 1 first if Wall is basically cooked.
I threw out something before the draft about dumping Wall and picks for Jrue and another salary to match. Would have been similar to what the Thunder did, taking on CP3 to get the draft capital.
Do feel for Beal. He’s stayed very loyal to Washington by resigning with them even tho they have never made wise decisions to build a competitive team. It’s only really become Beal franchise the last 2 season cause of Walls injury but I think he’s demanding more from the office and staff which is good.
Mahinmi is now an expiring deal, would be smart to look at moving him for something with value. Connecting that idea to Bradley Beal wanting some mates and some people that play D, what about Harrison Barnes. Both from the same draft class, Barnes is a solid 2 way wing, and can play either forward position. Also the kings regret giving him that deal so using Mahnimi and his expiring deal would be a possible start to a deal.
Maybe Harrison Barnes and a second round pick for Mahnimi and Bertans should get the deal done.
Wizards get better on D, Beal their star stays happy, the front office gets a pick. Kings get a big expiring deal and Bertans who would fit that locker room and gives that team a solid shooting big
You really must like Barnes a lot. He is good but not very good, never will he be close to an all-star level, decent 4th-5th option. Bertans is better, cheaper & younger.
Cheaper for now, younger? They are the same age and as for on the court things it’s really debatable.
Barnes is an NBA Champion, He can play SF or PF, can play as a 3rd/4th/5th option or as a 2nd choice. (He’s had 2 seasons averaging 19 points) He also helps rebounding and just seems like a great locker room player and really unselfish.
Bertans has been great this year but it’s only 1 year, Barnes has been good for awhile. Bertans this year is putting up a career high 15 points, Barnes also is averaging 15. Bertans is without a doubt the better shooter but at the same time Barnes is without a doubt the better defender.
But unquestionably Barnes is far more proven. Bertans last year averaged 8 points…
Personally i say Barnes is by far the better player. He’s more experienced but the same age, he’s more proven, he’s more versatile, you just know what your getting from him and if you ask for him to give you more he can.