The Phoenix Suns swung big in the offseason, acquiring Bradley Beal in a trade with the Washington Wizards. Pairing the three-time All-Star with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker has not worked out how the franchise hoped it would. After finishing as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, the Suns have fallen into a 2-0 hole to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lou Williams suggested suggested bringing Beal, who struggled in Game 2, off the bench. Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year stated:
Is it a time now for the Phoenix Suns where they explore the idea of maybe Bradley Beal coming off the bench? Bring Brad off the bench, pair him up with [Isaiah Thomas].
Check out Lou Williams’ comments on Bradley Beal below:
Chandler Parsons chimed in by suggesting that the team move Isaiah Thomas to the starting lineup. While he has been with the franchise for just over two weeks, the two-time All-Star in the only point guard on Phoenix’s roster. The former NBA player made note of this, adding that Beal, Durant and Booker have always played with a point guard.
In his first season with the franchise, the 12th-year shooting guard averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.3% from the field, 43.0% from three-point range and 81.3% from the free-throw line. His numbers have dipped in the postseason, despite more playing time. Beal is averaging just 14.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.0 apg and 1.5 spg on 44.4/42.9/66.7 splits.
Will the Phoenix Suns bring Bradley Beal off the bench?
Bradley Beal has struggled in the postseason – particularly in Game 2 where he shot just 6-17 from the field. Despite this, it is unlikely that the three-time All-Star will be removed from the starting lineup. He remains the third-best player on the roster and has the ability to produce at a high level.
Furthermore, the Suns may already have to replace one starter. Grayson Allen left Game 2 after aggravating the ankle injury he suffered in Game 1. His status remains up in the air for Game 3 on Friday as the series shifts to Phoenix.
Allen was the team’s fourth-leading scorer and led the league in three-point percentage this season. He averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field, 46.1% from three-point range and 87.8% from the free-throw line.
If he is unable to go, the Suns’ roster, which has been eight-deep to start the postseason, will already require major changes. Moving Beal to the bench and implementing two new starters this late in the season seems unlikely.
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