Bradley Beal: Teams That Must Consider Trading Up for the Freshman
With a continually rising stock, it's reasonable to suspect that Bradley Beal will be a top-five selection in the 2012 NBA draft.
In turn, whichever teams are interested outside of the top five must consider trading up to land the freshman phenom. The Los Angeles Clippers, for one, are a team where Beal could make a strong and immediate impact as a rookie.
Along with the Clippers, there are some other teams that must also consider trading up for Beal. Here, we'll look at L.A. and some others that need to join the pursuit of Bradley Beal.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves hold the No. 18 overall selection and desperately need to move up for depth and talent in the backcourt. Although the offense was solid in 2011-12, Minnesota needs a complete player like Beal to keep the offense afloat while improving the defense.
Because of his size, Beal can contribute at the point and/or as a shooting guard, and his defense will help on the perimeter. Possessing solid length and defensive instincts, Beal averaged 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Gators last year.
Ranking 25th in points allowed, the Timberwolves need Beal as an outside rebounder and to consistently isolate the wing. Offensively, he'll help with efficiency—as Minnesota ranked just No. 24 in assists—and his ability to draw fouls.
Now, he does need to improve off the dribble, but that will come with experience and confidence through development.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns, if anything, need youth in the backcourt, as Steve Nash is 38 and Michael Redd is 32 years old. Not to mention, Grant Hill is 39, so youth in general would help Phoenix rebuild.
And with the No. 13 overall selection, Phoenix is in solid position to make an appealing offer to either Washington or Cleveland in moving up. Regardless, the Suns need Beal for defense and rebounding, as they allowed 98.6 points (ranked No. 21) and averaged just 41.7 boards (ranked No. 19) per game last season.
Beal's offensive skill set will undoubtedly benefit Phoenix, as he's consistent from inside the arc (44.5 percent from the field in 2011-12). His knowledge of the game is also an appealing attribute for Phoenix, because that will feed off of Steve Nash's cerebral approach.
In time, Beal could develop as a true point guard, since he's a better passer than given credit for and possesses good court awareness to make smart decisions.
Los Angeles Clippers
Considering that the Clippers don't draft until pick No. 23 in Round 2, it would take a whole helluva lot for them to get into the top five. Nonetheless, L.A. still has to consider this, as the bright future with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul would only be enhanced.
Last season, the Clips ranked No. 22 in rebounding and No. 13 in assists and points allowed. Obviously, Griffin is the main frontcourt presence, but upgraded perimeter rebounding is needed to take the next step.
Beal will provide scoring to the offense and significantly increase Paul's production, however, getting those second-chance opportunities and shutting down more consistently on defense will make the Clippers Western Conference title contenders.
And although the rest of the backcourt was decent defensively, L.A. needs a total-package player like Beal in the lineup. He's a solid transition player, and with the Clippers' talent, Beal would quickly develop at each end to make them a force in the postseason.
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