With certain unchangeable circumstances, players have to adapt spontaneously. This may cause a downward shift in the number of points, rebounds, and assists they put up, but it is mandatory on winning teams with top-notch aspirations.
Newly added LA Clippers’ star, Bradley Beal, just went through this with the Phoenix Suns. In fact, he was brought on to a ship that was already being steered by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, which explained his drop off in points.
Moreover, with last season being the lowest average of points he has posted since the 2014-15 season, most assumed that he had simply declined. This is natural, and there were no questions, as Beal is in his 30s and will be 33 by the end of next season.
On the flip side, Beal was forced to adjust as the third star, a similar transition James Harden had to make when he arrived and was forced to play behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Through this adjustment, the three-time All-Star found a quiet yet effective way to improve, which will help unlock the Clippers’ potential.
Bradley Beal’s improvement in efficiency around the paint will work miracles on the Clippers
Although the Phoenix Suns did not experience playoff success with Bradley Beal, their coaching staff helped him identify a key area for improvement that he could sustain throughout his career. This came from solely inside the paint.
Furthermore, Beal understood that a six-foot-four guard, weighing 207 pounds, as quick as he is, could produce much higher efficiencies in the painted area. Thus, he played off Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, like he was supposed to, and made easier attacks to the cup.
In fact, Beal shot 65% on layups and dunks last season, which was his best since the 2013-14 season, his second year in the NBA. This may be surprising, as his game is clearly not declining, despite a lower average in the number of buckets he was getting.
Beal bringing this efficiency to the Clippers would greatly aid the perimeter offense, and with him prioritizing improvement, head coach Tyronn Lue should challenge him to raise the 65% figure he posted last season to 70%.
This will force opponents to scramble left to right on defense, knocking off one of the ways the Clippers’ potential could be reached next season. It could also be seamless, as Lue will be flexible in placing Beal in beneficial lineups.