Bradley Beal has expressed dissatisfaction with his role during his time with the Phoenix Suns, which lasted two seasons. Now a player for the Los Angeles Clippers, Beal reflected on his experience with the Suns and how he was utilized on the court. Speaking to The Athletic, he stated, “When you allow me to be that guy, I’ll be that. But when you have two coaches that want you to set screens and play in the dunker, you’re not Brad Beal. You’re somebody else.”
Beal’s performance in Phoenix sharply contrasted with his previous seasons as a leading scorer for the Washington Wizards. In Washington, Beal was known for his offensive prowess, leading the league in field goal attempts for consecutive seasons. His adjustment to the Suns, which included playing alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, inevitably affected his scoring opportunities.
During his time with the Suns, Beal’s shooting attempts dwindled. He averaged just 13.5 shots per game, a significant decrease from the volume he enjoyed in Washington. In fact, he noted, “When’s the last time I shot 14 shots for the Suns?” This rhetorical question aimed to emphasize his frustration, but the statistics reveal that he still had games where he took 17 shots, such as in his penultimate game with the team in April 2023.
Beal’s return to Phoenix for a game against his former team was marked by mixed emotions. He emphasized his stronger connection to Washington, stating, “For me, it was — no disrespect to Phoenix — but it was more meaningful for me to go back to D.C. and play, after being there for 11 years and that’s my franchise, you know?” This sentiment highlights his loyalty to the Wizards, where he established his reputation as a top scorer.
The Suns’ tenure was not what Beal had hoped for, leaving him with feelings of being underutilized and sidelined. His comments suggest that he may want to move past this chapter of his career, a sentiment that might resonate with Suns fans who had high expectations when he joined the team. Ultimately, Beal’s time in Phoenix did not yield a single playoff victory, marking it as a trade that fell short of its potential.
As Beal settles into his new role with the Clippers, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to a different team environment. His recent reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities athletes face when adjusting to teams with established superstars. The hope for Beal now will be to regain his scoring rhythm while contributing effectively within a new system.
