During the LA Clippers’ media day, which highlighted by the partially torn Achilles that Brandon Ingram suffered out of nowhere following the Toronto Raptors' early postseason exit, fans learned that Bradley Beal also won’t be ready to start the regular season. Why is that? Didn’t he miss pretty much all of last season, except for eight games, to recover from a hip injury? Beal’s hip is fine; his knee has suddenly become inflamed.
As unfortunate as this is, considering many were awaiting to see how Beal would look after the struggles he encountered in his first year as a Clipper, his injury news directly points to the availability concerns he brings to the table, which is why the front office should’ve never re-signed him over the summer.
There’s no point in spending $6.5 million on a player in his mid-30s, like Beal, who cannot stay healthy, especially when several higher-value players signed for equal or less. In addition to that, the veteran guard doesn't fit into the team's movement centered around youth.
Bradley Beal’s availability is the main reason why the Clippers should’ve let him walk away
To a certain degree, it’s understandable why Bradley Beal was brought back for two more years. He’s a veteran, which a young team like the LA Clippers needs, and beyond that, he can score the rock at a high level, make plays on both ends of the floor, and ultimately spark off the bench.
And, most importantly, as Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints highlighted on the Third Apron podcast hosted by Yossi Gozlan, if his minutes are suddenly cut midseason, he won’t pitch a fit and complain.
But how useful is that to the Clippers if he can’t even stay on the court?
The answer: close to nothing. And the Clippers should’ve seen this coming. Beal only suited up for eight games last season.
Also, it’s worth noting that the last time he played more than 60 contests was in 2018-19. That’s seven years ago. To put this in perspective, Kawhi Leonard was still on the Raptors in 2018-19.
This is a massive red flag the Clippers chose to ignore.
Now, Beal’s injury makes the Clippers even more short-staffed, as Brandon Ingram won’t be ready to start the year, and neither will Jordan Miller.
If the Clippers had heeded the warning signs Beal gave them after he declined his player option, LA wouldn’t be in the situation they’re in now.
Add us as a preferred source on Google