New Suns guard Bradley Beal spoke with gathered journalists for an extended introductory press conference, flanked by head coach Frank Vogel and general manager James Jones, writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
“I don’t look at the NBA like, ‘Oh, it’s my team,’ ‘Oh, it’s your team,'” Beal said when asked about how the Suns will determinine a hierarchy on offense. “It’s everybody. We all got to compete. We all got to do this thing together and make it happen.”
“But understand that this is ‘Book Nation,'” Beal continued, a reference to All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker. “I understand that this is his stomping grounds, this is his arena, and I’m excited for that. I’m excited to be able to play with two Hall of Famers. I’ve never done that. They’ll push me in ways I’ve never been pushed. Hopefully, I can do the same.”
There’s more out of the Western Conference:
- After cutting a deal with prosecutors, Spurs guard Devonte’ Graham has pleaded guilty to his 2022 misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired, reports TMZ Sports. Graham, whose sentencing is scheduled for July, may face a suspension from the NBA following the resolution of his legal case.
- The Trail Blazers, still hoping to thread the needle between their present and future, are hoping incumbent All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard will be satisfied with a solid roster-building summer and will not ask for a trade out of town, writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Fischer likens Portland’s plan to the approach Brooklyn took with Kevin Durant last summer, though Durant had requested a trade at that time, while Lillard hasn’t done so. The Blazers added rookie point guard Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick in this year’s draft, and are hoping that some tactical personnel moves will convince Lillard to stick around.
- With Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson having now picked up his $14MM player option, there are still a variety of routes forward for Utah and the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year, per Tony Jones of The Athletic. As Jones notes, Clarkson could now either sign a longer-term extension, play out the final year of his deal as the Jazz’s probable starting shooting guard, or the team could coordinate a trade to offload him and free up more minutes and touches for his potential long-term successor, Collin Sexton.
Bradley Beal will be playing with two hall of fame players. I’m going to love seeing him play in the playoffs.
I’m just curious who he thinks the 2nd Hall of Famer he’s playing with is. We all know Durant is a lock but Beal himself is closer to enshrinement than Booker and he’s Beal isn’t all that close.
How is Beal closer, Booker is on the HOF arc. They have the same accolades but Booker is 4 years younger and been to NBA Finals
Damian Lillard can stay in Portland and do something special if he patient. It’s some young great talent over there.
He can do “something special” with Jimmy and Bam too. And not need to be patient.
And by going to MIA he would not have to adjust his game, as the whole Heat team would work for his open looks, unlike any other team.
I think Lillard wants to retire in Portland. It’s his home and where he has built his longer-term business interests. That said, these discussions of going to Miami seem choreographed so, if the opportunity arises for a three team trade to happen, Portland and fans will accept it. Nonetheless, if he goes or stays, this year or next, if he wins a championship there or not, in the end, he will retire in Portland and will be welcomed with open arms. And by that time, Scoot and Shaedon will be at the same age as Tatum and Brown today. There will hopefully be lots of value there to add a veteran HOFer on the team.
A class act. Shrewd businessman. Incedible player.