It feels like forever ago that Bradley Beal was lighting up Washington alongside John Wall. Two young stars who were supposed to bring the Wizards back to prominence. Between 2012 and 2023, Beal became one of the league’s premier scorers and the face of the franchise.
He averaged over 22 points per game in seven straight seasons, finished second in the NBA in scoring in 2021 with 31.3 points per game, and tied Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record with 60 points in a single night. His consistency was impressive, scoring 25+ points in 17 straight games, a feat that broke Michael Jordan’s Wizards record.
When Beal left Washington in 2023, he was second on the Wizards’ all-time scoring list, behind only Elvin Hayes. For over a decade, he embodied the Wizards franchise as a loyal cornerstone whose blend of skill and professionalism made him one of the league’s most respected guards.
That’s what makes his recent fall from grace so jarring.
Fit was the issue with Phoenix's attempt at a big three
Bradley Beal’s time in Phoenix always felt like a forced marriage. Three elite scorers, one basketball, and no real communication on the hierarchy. It was the kind of super-team that looked scary on paper and disjointed in real life.
Across two seasons (2023–2025), Beal averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in just 106 games, often sidelined by nagging injuries that disrupted rhythm and chemistry. There was never a combination of Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker that genuinely clicked.
The offense stalled into isolation sets, the ball stopped moving, and Beal often drifted into the background. Even in bench-heavy lineups where he was supposed to run the show, he deferred far too often, letting secondary guards like Tyus Jones initiate the offense. The result was a $50 million-per-year player who looked more like a bystander than a star.
Still, it is not as if Beal suddenly forgot how to play basketball, he was simply snakebitten by injuries and stuck in a situation that exposed his flaws more than it highlighted his strengths. His inconsistent availability, defensive lapses, and massive contract made it nearly impossible for Phoenix to build the depth they desperately needed under the new CBA.
To his credit, Beal stayed professional through it all, quietly battling setbacks and flashing glimpses of the dynamic scorer he once was. When healthy, he remained one of the team’s best downhill threats, but stylistically and financially, the fit was doomed from the start. By the summer of 2025, both sides knew it was time to move on.
Bradley Beal is now in a fresh start with a defined purpose
At first glance, joining the LA Clippers seems like déjà vu: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden. Another crowded offense. But this time, Bradley Beal’s role is refreshingly clear, and that is due to one man: Tyronn Lue.
Instead of being wedged into another awkward co-alpha setup, Beal now joins a structured offensive system where he can thrive as either a secondary creator or an explosive spark, having his time split with James Harden and Chris Paul. Lue has a proven track record of empowering his players, especially guys who have been counted out.
The Clippers also have a rich history of “microwave” bucket-getters from Lou Williams to Jamal Crawford. Their fans can only dream that Beal’s smooth pull-up game feels like the natural next chapter in that lineage.
With less responsibility and more rhythm, he can finally focus on doing what he does best: attacking mismatches, spacing the floor, and providing instant offense without forcing the issue.
The Clippers give Bradley Beal a real sense of structure
Now with the LA Clippers, Bradley Beal is no longer being asked to be one of the saviors of a franchise, and that is exactly why this might work.
Tyronn Lue’s system thrives on defined roles and accountability. Beal will not need to dominate the ball or carry the offense; instead, he will serve as a Swiss Army knife. Coach Lue will be expecting efficient shooting, smart reads, and attacking mismatches.
Lue has already hinted that he wants Beal to rediscover his defensive intensity, something that vanished in Phoenix. If Beal buys into that end and stays healthy, the Clippers could have one of the most complete guard rotations in the league, especially with James Harden and Chris Paul managing the tempo.
This is the first time in years Beal’s expectations align perfectly with his situation.
One of Bradley Beal's primary goals is redemption
For Bradley Beal, this season is not about proving he is still a superstar, it is about proving he can provide a valuable role on a NBA roster in 2025.
After years of being the overlooked third option and a frequent injury headline, the 31-year-old finally has a system that fits both his mindset and his game. It might not be saying much, but this team is likely his best chance of getting a championship ring.
He said it best himself shortly after the joining the LA Clippers: “I need a ring. I need one bad.”
He might not have the same explosion he once did, but Beal’s intelligence, skill, and quiet fire remain. In LA, surrounded by structure and purpose, the version of Bradley Beal that once captivated D.C. might finally reappear.