Clipperholics
Fansided

LA Clippers: Sam Cassell comments on John Wall, Bradley Beal issue

By Tom West

Mar 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell helps warm up the Clippers before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell helps warm up the Clippers before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

John Wall made some controversy when he called Bradley Beal his “sidekick” this week, which is a matter that two members of the LA Clippers are connected to.

John Wall made some comments this week that got he and Bradley Beal into a spot of controversy. Talking to CSN’s Chris Miller about his relationship with Beal, Wall said, “I think a lot of times we have a tendency to dislike each other on the court.” Wall also added, “I want it all to be on me. At the same time I want him to be right there with me. He’s my sidekick. I’m A. He’s A-1. He’s right there.” Wall took the approach that he and Beal merely need to work out their differences for the good of the Washington Wizards, which is both correct and a breath of fresh, honest air. However, Wall’s and Beal’s issues have been linked to some members of the LA Clippers.

Former Clipper and current assistant coach Sam Cassell served with the Wizards as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2014. He coached Wall for four years and Beal for two in that time, obviously developing an understanding and relationship with both players.

Candace Buckner of The Washington Post asked Cassell for his take on the matter:

"“They got to figure it out. I’m not going to [say] who’s wrong or who’s right, but they got to figure it out.”"

More from Clipperholics

Cassell isn’t the only member of the LA Clippers organization to have some insight into Wall’s relationship with Beal, though.

Alan Anderson, who signed in L.A. for the minimum this summer, was a member of the Wizards last season. Due to an ankle injury, he was unfortunately held to just 13 games.

Even still, Chris Miller reported that Anderson had to make peace between the two during his time in Washington:

"Last season, Alan Anderson made peace after preseason game when Beal was upset. Two seasons ago it was Garrett Temple, Beal’s best friend on the team who now is with the Sacramento Kings, to restrain him. Both veterans are gone after free agency this summer."

Clearly there is some level of tension between Wall and Beal. The former sees himself as the undisputed best player and leader of the team, which is absolutely accurate. He’s the point guard (an elite one at that) and holds far more value to the Wizards due to the way he carries the offense, defends at a high level, and actually stays healthy.

Simply put, Wall was honest about his and Beal’s standing in the franchise, so a call to hope that Beal and the team put that mindset in motion could help resolve any tension. They’re still good friends off the court, so working through the way they mesh on the court should be easier.

Next: Ranking the Clippers' new players from free agency

As for Anderson, he’ll be looking forward to what will hopefully be a far healthier and far more successful season with the contending Clippers.

Home/Clippers News