Bradley Beal signed a five-year, $127.2 million maximum contract with the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2016, and the sharpshooter says he wouldn't have gotten that deal if it wasn't for his point guard, All-Star John Wall.
Beal says Wall made him a better player and helped him show the Wizards and the entire NBA that he's one of the best players in the league. Wall attracts a lot of attention from opposing defenses when he drives to the basket, which frees up Beal for wide-open looks from beyond the arc:
Article Continues Below“You can't disrespect a five-time All-Star,” Beal told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “You can't exclude what he's done for the team. You can't exclude what he's done for the city. I wouldn't have the deal that I have without John. I honestly believe I wouldn't be the player that I am without John.”
When John Wall is healthy, he and Bradley Beal form one of the best backcourts in the entire NBA. But Wall hasn't been healthy the past few seasons, which has forced Beal to become the main option on offense in the nation's capital.
In 60 games this season, Beal is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists. There's a chance Wall could miss the entire 2019-20 season as well since he tore his Achilles a few weeks ago after slipping at his house.
One thing is certain, though: Beal isn't going to sit here and act like the Wizards are a better team without Wall.