Bradley Beal shares his thoughts after the Phoenix Suns‘ 123-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks. After a strong performance, Beal attended a press conference where he spoke humbly about the struggles he experienced in this new role. And while this is a challenge and not something he wants to do, he wants to do what’s best for the team, and not cause any problems for himself or the franchise.
When asked about the weirdest part about coming off the bench during the last few games:
“Every moment. But again, I’m not gonna be a distraction, I’m not gonna be an a**hole, I’m not gonna be unprofessional. I’m going to do what I have to do. I’ll do my job…”
Beal also touched on a host of different topics during the press conference, both regarding his new role coming off the bench, and the recent rumors surrounding his future with the Suns. You can check out highlights from his press conference below:
How much the new bench role has changed his game:
“Everything. My preparation is totally different now. It just is. You’re not starting the game off, so you have to make sure that you’re ready to go by the time your name is called.”
His reaction to coach Budenholzer telling him about coming off the bench:
“I literally looked at coach and said ‘Okay’, I’m not arguing, you’ve made your decision. It’s up to coach.”
Whether he takes pride in his high level of play despite his new role:
“I always take pride in my game. In who I am, in what I do. This is no different. I guess it’s just more magnified because it’s something that people are not used to seeing.”
Struggling to play with the big three and why the team brings him off the bench:
“I’m just playing the game, brother. I’m not thinking that deep into it. I don’t know, you’re going to have to ask Bud [Budenholzer] these questions… No. You gotta ask Bud.”
Whether this latest stretch has been tough mentally and psychologically:
“Yes and no. It’s been more of a distraction than anything. People are going to make their noise and have their opinions about certain things. I’m big on faith… First Corinthians 15:58, that’s what got me through everything.”
“If you can read that, you’ll probably understand why Beal’s at peace, Beal’s in a good mood. I don’t waiver man. Adversity happens, things happen, and you control what you can control. Just trying to impact and be positive on a daily basis.”
For the uninformed, Corinthians 15:58 is a verse from the Holy Bible, which reads as follows:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Beal is a solid pro and answered these questions with a level of class and maturity we don’t often see from star players in the NBA. Despite being asked to come off the bench, which we have seen star players refuse to accept, Beal has agreed to help the team and is thriving in the role.
During the four-game losing streak for the Suns before coming off the bench, Beal averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 35.5% from the field, 35.0% from beyond the arc, and 50.0% from the free-throw line.
Since being told to come off the bench, Beal has been averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, while shooting 59.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line. This is a sharp contrast to his last four games as a starter when the Suns lost four games in a row.
Of course, the conjecture surrounding Beal right now isn’t just his new role coming off the bench, but also trade rumors surrounding him. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly trying to land Jimmy Butler. But the problem is that they would have to trade Bradley Beal away, who happens to have a no-trade clause in his contract which he would have to waive.
Despite the rumors, the Suns are reportedly not trying to get Beal to become frustrated by bringing him off the bench, but rather, they are trying to do what is best for the team.
There have been conflicting reports about Beal’s willingness to do so. While one account suggested that Beal was open to waiving his no-trade clause for certain teams, another report claimed that he had no intention of doing so, and intends to stick around with the Phoenix Suns.
Clearly, there is no unanimous and clear answer about where Beal stands vis à vis a trade. Fans will just have to wait and see what comes of it. Stay tuned to Fadeaway World for the latest trade rumors, updates, and up-to-the-minute NBA analysis.
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