Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer spoke about the decision to drop Bradley Beal to the bench. He noted that the team’s four-game losing streak required him to make some changes. Coach Bud added that it wasn’t anything to do with him as a player, but just as a way to find a different way to start winning.
“I just feel like we needed to make a change throughout a 48-minute game. You gotta figure out your best combinations, the best ways to find success. They are two important players to us. Two very good players for us. We just felt like we needed to make a change. Conversations… are happening daily. Can’t deny that… All those guys are in this together. It’s been good, healthy conversations.”
Budenholzer decided to move Beal to the bench to try and give the Suns something new, as they were coming into tonight’s game with a four-game losing streak. Beal hadn’t played particularly well during this stretch, averaging just 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 deep, and 50.0% from the free-throw line.
And it looks like the decision to do has paid off. Tonight, against the Philadelphia 76ers, Beal came off the bench and absolutely smashed it, putting up 25 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block, while shooting 66.7% from the field, 50.0% from deep, and 100.0% from the free-throw line.
This will vindicate Budenholzer’s decision to bring Beal off the bench, as it has brought the Suns some success on the court. But a star like Beal might not be satisfied coming off the bench for too long, especially with trade rumors surrounding him.
With any trade, Beal would have to forgo his no-trade clause. And him coming off the bench might be motivation for him to do just that. And some insiders believe that is exactly what is going to happen. Beal’s situation will be one to keep an eye on over the next month.
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