The LA Clippers have had a busy offseason so far, adding several players after another first round exit in the playoffs.
After bringing in Brook Lopez and John Collins, the LA Clippers signed Bradley Beal on a two-year, $11 million deal.
After completing a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, Beal made the move to LA, where he will now have to fill a big role formerly played by Norman Powell.
The one-time NBA champion was part of a three-team trade that saw Collins move to the Clippers and Powell join the Miami Heat.
While many have given the Clippers credit for a brilliant offseason, Tim Legler has highlighted an important thing Beal needs to do in order for the team to succeed.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesLegler thinks Beal also needs to step up defensively
Beal went to the Suns as one of the best scorers in the NBA, averaging 30 or more for two consecutive seasons.
But he was playing third fiddle there, and did not have a lot of plays run for him. This led to his relationship with the franchise deteriorating and he eventually left them after just two years.
His scoring will be needed on the Clippers, but Legler believes Beal will also need to add defensive solidity to fill the void left by Powell, who could play on both ends.
He said: “Norman Powell actually established himself in the league as a defender far before he became a guy that was known for getting 20 a night, which he did last year.
“So, Bradley Beal has to fill that component at that spot. Are you tough enough defensively? Are you competitive enough defensively?
“And can you be a guy that can be efficient getting 20 plus a night, which is what Powell did, when you’re not the number one option. So he’s got some things to answer.”
Beal can revive his career with the Clippers
James Harden played a big part in bringing Beal to the Clippers. The former MVP spoke to the three-time All-Star and convinced him on making the move to LA.
Just a season and a half ago, Harden wanted to move out of the Philadelphia 76ers and he joined the Clippers.
His reputation was not all that great, but after moving to LA, Harden started dropping brilliant performances and regaining the faith of fans.
Beal will have to do something similar. There are no doubts about his talent, but it has just not been showcased in recent years.
Playing on a team with Leonard and Harden will mean Beal will once again be the third star, which was a point even Bill Simmons raised.
But Leonard and Harden are different players. The Beard has become a playmaker in recent years, which will allow Beal to play naturally, while Leonard is a three-level scorer.
Beal’s addition certainly makes the Clippers an exciting team going into the next season. They have a brilliant roster and if things work well, they could surprise teams in the West.