Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards reached an impasse in contract extension talks this offseason, so Beal is currently playing out this year on his rookie deal. Beal, who has shown promise but has also dealt with his fair share of injuries since entering the league in 2012, can’t be too thrilled about playing out this season on a bargain bin deal, but the prospect of cashing out in the summer when the salary cap increases must be rousing for the shooting guard.
So far this season, Beal has played as if he’s worth every penny the Wizards may potentially throw at him, averaging 25.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on 47% from the field and 46% from three. Beal has decreased the number of dreaded long-two’s we’ve become accustomed to see him taking in lieu of strong drives to the basket, and he’s looking more confident than ever.
That new-found swagger was in full swing on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, as Beal nailed a game-winning three to lift Washington over San Antonio 102-99.
Beal is playing at an All-Star level, which is exactly what Washington needed thanks to Paul Pierce’s departure. This is a morale-boosting win for the Wizards, who are now sitting at 3-1 on the season.
