May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles past Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
5. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
6’5” 207 lbs, 22-years-old
2014-2015 Stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.3 bpg, 43% FG, 78% FT, 41% 3PT, 14.0 PER
Bradley Beal has a skill that is highly valued in today’s NBA; 3-point shooting. In fact, over his short three-year career he’s shot 40 percent from deep and has become an elite outside threat. In a league where 3-point shooting is the priority, a team will always need someone with the skill set of Beal.
It is valid to point out he has not progressed how some may have hoped. After upping his scoring in his sophomore campaign to 17.1 ppg from 13.9 ppg his rookie season, he averaged 15.3 ppg in his third year. While he did not take the step like many hoped, he is still far from a lost cause.
In Washington, he is in an ideal situation. Although his contract status is up in the air, he is an ideal backcourt mate for John Wall. Not only is Wall a top assist man, but his outside struggles which leads to the necessity of someone like Beal.
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He is a mere 22 years old and already has showcased an ability to score. In the post-season last year, he increased his production nearly astronomically. He averaged 23.4 ppg on 41 percent shooting and also averaged 5.5 rpg and 4.6 apg. That showcases his ability – just imagine if he put those numbers up in the regular season.
His defensive shares were surprisingly high last season (2.4) and he has shown the ability to be a legitimate defender on the wing. He absolutely must increase his efficiency in order to take the next step.
Though, Randy Wittman may not be the best talent developer to help Beal make that next step. The tools are there for him to become an elite shooting guard and at this point all he may need is slight nudge. His ranking should not be a surprise due to his outside shooting ability and how necessary that is in the modern NBA.
Besides just that, he has star potential. He hasn’t realized it yet…but if he does he could be downright scary. He is athletic and skilled and could very well be the next great shooting guard. His ceiling is high, even though he has come to seeing it yet.
Next: No. 4