On countless occasions, offseason and mid-season acquisitions can be tricky, as what the player brings is sometimes unknown. The film room will always tell the truth, and so will the numbers, but fitting into a new system can be complex, especially if a player has to adjust from being accustomed to playing a certain way.
Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled immensely after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the LA Clippers. He used to have the ball in his hands more with the Hawks, where he peaked with the highest usage percentage of his career, but in 30 games with the Clippers, he saw a career low of 18.6.
This difference is surprisingly what transcended his season from sub-par to excellent, as with a lower usage percentage, Bogdanovic found success moving off the ball and landing easier looks, and ultimately, higher efficiencies.
However, Bogdanovic’s example cannot be applied to or compared with everyone. The NBA is all about X’s and O’s, and being a melting pot of many different talents, thus making every signing and trade unique.
With most of the players the Clippers added in the summer, fans are curious to see what will change next season. All of them are veterans, yet there are still uncertainties.
But with Bradley Beal, the strengths and weaknesses are evident, and the Clippers should brace themselves as the future is easily predictable, production-wise.
What Bradley Beal brings to the table is obvious, and nothing will change with the LA Clippers
With age, Bradley Beal collapsed to his worst last season with the Phoenix Suns. This type of fall in statistics and production is standard and not concerning, as Beal is 32 and can efficiently average over 15 points per game next season.
Conversely, some fans are expecting more out of Beal with the LA Clippers. In fact, people within the organization, like Tyronn Lue and Lawrence Frank, are in the same boat, and the truth is, the three-time All-Star is no more than an elite scorer and three-point shooter with questions on defense.
Beal will look better next season, as any player would when they see their side of the court being shared with James Harden, but in moments where the Clippers cannot afford to give up points, Lue will have to bench him for Kris Dunn or Derrick Jones Jr. There should be no questions around the decision from the championship-winning head coach, even if the undesired result transpires.