Following a tough loss to the Bulls on Wednesday night, Wizards star Bradley Beal voiced concern about his team’s culture, as Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington relays. After telling reporters that he was frustrated about losing “winnable games,” Beal was asked if that losing builds up.
“I would hope it does,” Beal said. “I don’t like losing so it’s going to keep blowing up for me… Until we start winning and changing our culture.” Asked what a changed culture would like, the Wizards guard replied: Winning games. Get that winning attitude and winning habits.”
As Hughes notes in a separate article, the timing of Beal’s comments is interesting, since the 26-year-old signed an extension in the offseason despite recognizing it would be a challenging season for the Wizards. The team has been fun to watch and certainly hasn’t fallen short of preseason expectations, so Beal’s comments are a little surprising.
Pointing out that Beal recently co-signed a J.J. Redick complaint about some NBA players prioritizing fashion and social media over winning, Hughes wonders if that was just coincidental timing or if the Wizards’ star is frustrated by some of his teammates’ behavior.
David Aldridge of The Athletic, who heard from a source that Beal seemed as angry and emotional after Wednesday’s loss as he’s been since joining the Wizards, noted that Washington’s defense has been “spectacularly bad” this season and speculated that the team’s effort on that end of the floor may be a source of frustration for the All-Star.
As we wait to see how Washington responds to Beal’s concerns, here’s more from around the Southeast:
- Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald suggests that preserving 2021 cap room isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for the Heat if they find a trade they like, since the team believes it can acquire star free agents even without cap space, as it did last summer with Jimmy Butler.
- Within the same article, Jackson also explores several trade options for the Heat, citing one source who says the team will likely be in touch with San Antonio. The Spurs haven’t given any indication they want to move LaMarcus Aldridge or DeMar DeRozan, but would consider Miami a potential trade partner if they do consider dealing either veteran star, says Jackson.
- Count Trae Young among those who like the Hawks‘ trade for Jeff Teague. According to Sarah K. Spencer of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Young referred to Teague as “one of the underrated point guards in our league” and praised the veteran’s ability to score, draw fouls, and get teammates involved.
- With Michael Carter-Williams still battling a shoulder injury and fellow point guard D.J. Augustin out for at least the next three or four weeks with a knee issue, Magic head coach Steve Clifford said he’d speak to president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman about whether or not the team will make a roster move, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Orlando has a full 15-man roster, but Gary Clark is on a 10-day contract.
Bradley Beal sounds like he’s feeling the heat down in his soul lol…definitely sees the heat all over his Twitter at the least
Too bad MIA can’t include its picks in a trade. Think SAS would do injured Winslow, 1st, and filler for either LMA or DDR. Winslow and filler alone won’t cut it.
Heat could use their 2025 1st rounder actually…also neither of those guys have that much value…I dont really see that much of a fit, but LaMarcus Aldridge is at least an option
I could see Myers Leonard’s expiring, James Johnson (spurs need help at the 4 desperately, and JJ can play some small ball 5 as well), 2025 1st rounder, and not sure if he can be added in trade since he just signed, but the Spurs were interested in Chris Silva previously and could use a young energy big like him, for LaMarcus Aldridge
Heat have their own issues at the 4, but Winslow can play there when he is healthy, and they can use Olynyk next to Bam at times, and even Butler has played some 4 this year. They also have Okpala developing there, although you would want someone that can give them minutes now…but ya other than something like that, I would say pass
DDR is not a good fit next to Butler because of arc shooting.
LMA could work if Bam can truly play PF at his current stat line minimum.
Still not worth the 2025 1st unless Spurs throw Derrick White in for Winslow and Johnson.
Hawks have players and picks for both to put them in the playoffs this year.
Hunter, Parker, 2 – 1st plus filler and Spurs can reset now before the deadline.
Ok, pipe dreams all around.