Bradley Beal spoke about his path to the LA Clippers and Steve Ballmer’s role in him joining the team this summer.
The LA Clippers made a series of changes this offseason to help improve their roster. Perhaps no signing garnered more media attention than that of Bradley Beal.
The Clippers signed Beal after his buyout with the Phoenix Suns, bringing an end to a calamitous two-year run with the side.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, their offseason work has been overshadowed by the Aspiration – Kawhi Leonard controversy.
With the latest bit of information seemingly implicating Steve Ballmer in alleged cap circumvention, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the eccentric Clippers owner.
Bradley Beal trusts Steve Ballmer’s LA Clippers project, bought into new role
Bradley Beal spoke to reporters at the Intuit Dome as part of the LA Clippers’ Media Day obligations on Monday afternoon.
When discussing his decision to join the team, Beal pointed to Steve Ballmer and how he runs the organization, which motivated him to join the team.
“It wasn’t an easy decision…This, in particular, stuck out a lot. One, who Steve Ballmer is, how he operates, and what he stands for… Their pitch was honestly just better.”
Beal also spoke about what role he expects to play on the LA Clippers, admitting that while he still brings a competitive mentality to the team, he is going to have an unexpected role on the team.
“The mentality remains the same. Mine has never changed over the last few years. I know who I am and what I’m capable of doing. I’m getting ready to showcase that. We’re in different roles, in a different light.
“It’s not gonna be what everyone expects it to be. It’s what’s beneficial for the team. Whatever job they need me to go do, I’ll go out there and execute.”
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Ty Lue wants Bradley Beal to be a solid defender again
Speaking at the Media Day event, Clippers head coach Ty Lue suggested that he wants to see Bradley Beal returning to being the ‘elite-level defender’ he was with the Washington Wizards.
Clearly, Beal’s role on this team will be far more focused on his defensive contributions than his offensive skills.
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If Beal can come even close to being the defender he was at the peak of his powers in Washington, the Clippers will have a solid point-of-attack defender in their ranks.
However, that is a big if, as Beal has been a very poor defender his last few seasons in the NBA, with his time in Phoenix being a particular lowlight.
