Rightfully so, fans of the LA Clippers were shook to their core when the re-signing of Bradley Beal occurred. Everyone was wondering the same thing: Why would the Clippers’ front office bring back a 33-year-old veteran who is unproven in LA after suffering a season-ending hip injury during his first eight games, for two more years? That just didn’t make any sense, especially with how the organization is structured around youth.
Well, what Beal brings, which is an advantage compared to most teams in the league, is an All-Star-level scoring ability off the bench, which is something that is not being talked about enough. No one can relate, as the veteran guard is elite at all three levels in the half-court when healthy.
Even better is the fact that not only does Beal have a real shot at winning Sixth Man of the Year, but he could easily be in the conversation for Most Improved Player if he maximizes the chip on his shoulder.
Re-signing Bradley Beal instantly gave the Clippers one of the league’s best sixth men
Though Bradley Beal is most definitely talented and experienced enough to start on the LA Clippers, he is all but confirmed to come off the bench given how much better Kris Dunn fits next to Darius Garland. And, in all honesty, Beal leading the second unit is extremely good for LA.
Sure, last season, Beal didn’t show much. He did well in shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc, but outside of that, there was no real sign of anything on either side of the ball.
However, we must take into account that Beal never really made himself comfortable. He only played eight games, and as a ball-dominant scorer next to Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, just like almost anyone else, he clearly needed more time to settle himself into Tyronn Lue’s system.
Beyond that, though, we must not forget that just a season ago, Beal averaged 17.0 points for the Phoenix Suns. The best part? He did so while shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
These numbers showcase a lot of promise and how it was smart for the Clippers to bring him back, despite everyone expecting him to sign elsewhere.
Additionally, for what it’s worth, Beal has had more than enough time to recover, learn from his mistakes, and prepare for a bounce-back season.
All things considered, there’s definitely an optimistic side to Beal re-signing, and it’ll look even better if Bennedict Mathurin doesn’t return.
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