Washington Wizards star guard Bradley Beal called it “shocking” and said Friday that it was difficult to learn that his former teammate John wall was traded to the Houston Rockets by the point guard Russell westbrook. Still, he said he thinks he and Westbrook will “be a good fit” when they start to meet.
Beal and Wall were teammates for the past eight seasons, but Wall hasn’t played in two years due to an Achilles tendon injury. As a couple on the team, they both made the postseason four times, but couldn’t get past the second round.
Beal said the two days since the exchange have been “emotional.” He indicated that “it was definitely a bit shocking and crazy to see the news the day after the deal was closed.” He added that “(although) it is understood that this is the business of basketball … it was difficult for me too, but on the other hand, you look at it and see who we are bringing and the caliber of player that there is in Russ (Westbrook) and what he’s capable of. He’s a former Most Valuable Player (MVP), he’s good at triple-doubles, he’s going to bring a spark to our team and energy to the city. “
Westbrook, 32, comes to Washington with his trademark aggressive and offensive character on the field of play.
Beal, who prospered in the absence of Wall and he averaged 30.5 points and 6.1 assists last season, career highs, he said he will not accept any negative comments about the difficulty of playing with Westbrook.
He indicated that he is excited to see what he can do with Westbrook. “I think there are a lot of false narratives that people have about him,” said Beal, calling him a great point guard. “I won’t put any value on those things until I have some time with Russ (Westbrook) on the field of play. I don’t think he wants to go in and immediately try to run the show and do everything himself. He realizes that (it is) a group effort. “
He stressed that “I don’t think there is any problem. The fact that I love to play with the ball a little more than in previous years may be the only (adjustment), but only he can give in to Paul (George), give in to Kevin ( Durant), giving in to James (Harden) sometimes, it’s going to be the same. “
Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard stated that trading Wall was the toughest decision he’s made in his nearly three decades in basketball, but he also said Westbrook will help the Wizards “go a little further. quick “as Wall hasn’t played since Dec. 26, 2018. He stated that” I felt it was my responsibility for the Wizards to improve and have the opportunity to acquire a player who is a nine-time All-NBA player. ” He said “There are 28 people in history who have been All-NBA players at least nine times. There are four active NBA players: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Their résumé speaks for itself.”
