Wizards: 10 thoughts on the first quarter of the season

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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NBA
NBA Washington Wizards Bradley Beal (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

10 thoughts on the Washington Wizards after the first quarter of the 2019-20 NBA season

The Washington Wizards have been one of the most entertaining teams in the league to watch so far this season. They may not defend, but they can score with pretty much anyone. With 21 games in the books, and a 7-14 record, here are 10 thoughts on the team through the first quarter of the 2019-20 NBA season.

1. Bradley Beal has taken another leap

Everyone (including Scott Brooks) has always wanted Bradley Beal to shoot more 3’s. This has seemed like the natural stepping stone in his path to becoming a surefire No. 1 offensive option. It is not a coincidence that his most efficient scoring season (2016-17) was also the season where his three-point attempt rate was at its highest.

Instead, Beal has become a wrecking-ball attacking the paint. His handle has improved drastically since his early years and with added strength, he can now overpower most guards at the basket. He has come an extremely long way from the guy who was only confident enough to put the ball on the floor a few times before settling for a mid-range pull up.

These improvements have turned him into a borderline elite playmaker and have also helped him get to the foul-line at a career-best rate. Bradley Beal is an (offensive) superstar, and he has been doing it in a way that no one ever saw coming.