Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will not join the team in Orlando because of a lingering shoulder injury. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal won't play in NBA resumption

Bradley Beal has announced that he will not be playing for the Washington Wizards in Orlando for the resumption of the NBA season due to an injury to his right rotator cuff.

"This was a difficult decision and one that I did not take lightly as the leader of this team," said Beal. "I wanted to help my teammates compete for a playoff spot in Orlando, but also understand that this will be best for all of us in the long term. I appreciate the support of my teammates, the fans and the entire organization and look forward to returning next season to continue the progress we have made."

Beal will still be going to Orlando with the team, but his injury will keep him from actually playing in the games. This likely destroys what little chance Washington had at making much of an impact in Orlando, as Beal has easily been the best player for the team this season. Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard voiced his support for Beal's decision.

"Bradley did everything possible to be ready to play, but after closely monitoring his individual workouts we came to the conclusion that it was best for him to sit out the upcoming games in Orlando and avoid the risk of further injury," said Sheppard. "Although he was able to play through the majority of the season with the injury, the layoff from March until now did not leave any of us feeling comfortable that he would have enough time to be ready to perform at the extremely high level we are all accustomed to seeing and agreed that not participating in the games in Orlando was the right decision."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: 150th Kentucky Derby ends in three-horse photo finish
Watch: Anthony Edwards does it all for Minnesota
Clippers could see nine-time All-Star jump ship this summer
Phillies get rough injury news on Trea Turner
Watch: Yankees star Aaron Judge receives first career ejection after arguing called third strike
Mavericks lose key player for 'significant period of time'
Blue Jays manager John Schneider blasts team after latest loss
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green doubles down on Knicks' inability to win a championship
Phillies lose two-time All-Star to injured list
NBA announces punishment for Lakers star over actions in elimination game
Heat may be cooling on Jimmy Butler's long-term future
NFL insider defends former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett from 'bust' label
Nuggets may miss this player as postseason run continues
Report: Russell Westbrook situation 'far more challenging' than previously thought
Kansas City Chiefs release former second-round pick at WR
NHL announces finalists for 2024 Lady Byng Trophy
Giannis Antetokounmpo refutes claim by HC Doc Rivers
Former Pro Bowler attempting comeback with NFC East team after two seasons out of action
Vikings' J.J. McCarthy wanted one team to draft him