Devin Booker and Kevin Durant may be elite scorers at different positions, but what they share is how the rock finds itself being efficiently dropped through the net. There is no explanation needed for either, particularly Durant, as he can score 30 in the NBA just as easily as he would in an open gym, with no signs of breaking a sweat.
The Phoenix Suns considered the idea of Bradley Beal, another elite scorer, and loved it, snagging the superstar away from the team that adored him, but wanted a younger breed of talent, the Washington Wizards.
However, in Beal's first year with the Suns, his points dropped by five, 23.2 to 18.2, and they decreased again this season, 2024-25, from 18.2 to 17.0.
Fans noticed, but gave Beal the benefit of the doubt, scoring-wise, as it is a challenge to still average an efficient 20-plus in the NBA while playing next to Durant and Booker, two superstars aiming for 30 points per game.
This could be true, but what Phoenix lacks is something the Wizards have, which the LA Clippers also possess, making Beal an upgrade in Inglewood, California, to be excited about.
The LA Clippers have two top-notch playmakers, which the Phoenix Suns did not, proving Bradley Beal's next season to be legendary
Russell Westbrook was the last point guard, with a high IQ, to be teammates with Bradley Beal. This was after the John Wall era, another dominant floor general the Washington Wizards maximized.
The Phoenix Suns clearly missed this realization, which led to a disaster from Beal's side in The Valley. Tyus Jones, an efficient passer, spent a season in Phoenix, but he underperformed, ultimately moving from the Suns to the Orlando Magic.
To make Beal's life easier on the LA Clippers, Chris Paul, the best playmaker Beal will have ever played with, joined James Harden, a triple-double connoisseur. Additionally, between Paul and Harden exist seven assists titles, five of which stem from the former Clipper, who was just reunited.
Harden and Paul will accurately toss the rock in Beal's sweet spots, as he will not have to create for himself on the Clippers like he was forced in Phoenix, leading him to having a phenomenal first run with head coach Tyronn Lue.
This would be fantastic, if the availability is present, because Beal is only making a couple of hundred thousand dollars over $5 million in each season with the Clippers.