Bradley Beal's new role could lead Suns to playoff success
The Phoenix Suns boast a top-heavy roster, leaving them without a genuine starting-level point guard. As such, Bradley Beal has begun working on reshaping his overall game.
The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Beal is one of the best offensive combinations in the NBA. However, in their search for such an elite big three, the Suns have dismantled their roster depth.
Beal is now adapting to a point guard role for Frank Vogel's team.
"He's reshaping his game for this team," Vogel said following the Suns 131-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. "This role is different than some of the roles he's had on his teams in Washington. He's going to do whatever the team needs. To see him playing this way is uplifting to our whole group. Efficient scoring the basketball. Efficient with the ball security...He's defending his butt off, too."
Beal, 30, missed a significant portion of games to begin the season. However, since establishing himself within the rotation, he's proving that he can be an essential member of the Suns' championship push. He's averaging 18.1 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 42 games, shooting 37.7% from 3-point range and 50.6% from the field.
With Durant and Booker the clear-cut first and second option on offense, Beal is wise to begin altering his overall game. He has all the tools needed to be a shot-creator for his teammates. If he can continue to progress as a point-of-attack defender, he will be plugging two major gaps within the Suns' roster construction.
When Phoenix acquired Beal, it was clear it was looking to win games on the offensive end. However, the team's lack of a genuine creator has certainly been an issue. It will be interesting to see how quickly Beal can adjust his approach to finally help plug that gap and elevate his team's overall offensive potency.
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