The Phoenix Suns dumped Bradley Beal after being atrocious with him on the floor last season, and his first game with the Clippers was the same story. Beal was happy to leave the Valley. The Suns failed to win a playoff game in his two seasons. He went to LA to compete for a championship, but Beal is no longer that player.
The rebuilding Jazz shockingly blew out the Clippers. Beal started, but was limited to 20 minutes on the floor. He had five points, one rebound, one steal and one turnover. The former All-Star hit two of five from the field, including making a 3-pointer, as the Clippers were defeated by nine in his series.
It was just like his days in Phoenix. Beal wanted to start and play a major role, but the Clippers were handily outmatched with him on the floor. Suns fans know the story all too well.
Bradley Beal’s Clippers opener went exactly as Suns fans expected
No one thought LA would lose to Utah, but Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz had other ideas. They used a 43-19 first quarter to race out to a lead that the Clippers simply could never overcome. Los Angeles won the second half by ten, but still lost the game 129-108.
The Suns posted a negative 7.7 points per 100 possessions last season with Beal on the floor. They were positive – 1.0 when he went to the bank. The Suns pretty much went all in to trade for the 6’4 guard, but never worked out a deal with him. It was a disappointing era that crushed the future of the franchise.
The Suns waived Beal to take him off their roster this summer. They have $19.3 million a year in their accounts until 2030. Phoenix was willing to take that hit to avoid the luxury tax and send out the four-time All-Star package. That’s how bad things were.
There has been a lot of talk about the Clippers’ offseason and how they are ready to compete. Head coach Tyronn Lue sees Beal as a starter and lockdown defender, but he’s wrong. Suns fans know his defense is problematic. His best role is off the bench at this stage of his career. LA will soon come to that realization and make the change.
Phoenix Suns fans weren’t surprised to see the first night of Bradley Beal playing a major role for the Clippers. It will be the first of many for LA. The four-time All-Star is no longer the major draft pick. Suns fans know it, but the Clippers are still finding out.
#Bradley #Beals #game #Clippers #Suns #fan #expected