Beal, Wall say they're competitive and good with each other
WASHINGTON -- The Washington Wizards have – when point guard John Wall and shooting guard Bradley Beal are both healthy – one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
But do they get along well enough to make it work this season with new Wizards coach Scott Brooks?
Following up on comments Wall made in the summer – he said he and Beal sometimes dislike each other on the court – both downplayed friction during Monday’s media day at Verizon Center.
“We’re just two competitive people,” Wall said. “Whenever your two best players want the game-winning shot and want those types of plays, you’re going to have disagreements on the court. Other than that, we’re fine. We talked about it. We’re both two grown men, and everybody wants us to dislike each other. No, we don’t dislike each other.
“With Brad, people want to put words in your mouth and make it seem like it’s worse than what it was.”
Beal, who agreed to a five-year, $128 million extension in July, described their relationship as great.
“We’re both competitors. I didn’t take he said as a sign of him taking a shot at me. We’re both competitors. We both love to compete. We both want to win. That’s what’s most important. We both realize that’s what’s important here: us winning games, us being leaders of the team and us growing as a backcourt together. …
“We have a great system, a great team. Our chemistry is great. Me and John are fine. We’re going to be in rankings of the best backcourt.”
Beal compared the relationship to a pair of brothers.
“Sometimes, you don’t always get along with your bigger brother or little brother, but you love them at the end of the day," he said. "They’re family, That’s how John and I are. We don’t always agree on the court. You’re not always going to agree with Coach Brooks. We’re backcourt mates, we’re teammates, we’re the two leaders of the team and we’re going to help win us games.”
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Brooks said he read Wall’s comments but has not addressed the issue with either player. He didn’t seem to concerned as the Wizards get ready to open training camp Tuesday in Richmond, Va.
“I do know this. I’ve been around a lot of great teams as a player. I’ve been around a lot great teams as an assistant coach and as a head coach,” Brooks said. “If you have a team that bickers with one another constantly, you don’t have a good team. If you have a team that never has any disagreements, you don’t have a good team because you don’t care.
“But there’s a balance. There has to be a respect level. You will have disagreements with one another, and they will have disagreements with me. But we all have to understand that we have to do what’s right for the team.”
The Wizards’ success is dependent on Wall and Beal – and their ability to get along on the court. Wall has made the All-Star team the past three seasons, and Beal has the potential to be an All-Star when healthy. A career 39.7% three-point shooter, Beal has played more than 63 games in a season once in four years. He played in 55 last season, averaging 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
“I’m going to be here for another five years. He’s going to be here for hopefully the rest of his career as well,” Beal said.
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In other words, they need to find a way to make it work.
When Wall and Beal were on the court together last season, the Wizards scored 105.1 points and allowed 104.2 points per 100 possessions.
“You have to check your ego at the front door not only with your best players but every player on team,” Brook said. “Sacrifice is not just for the backups or the guys that don’t play. Sacrificing is about the team, and all 15 guys have to sacrifice. I don’t see a problem. I’m looking forward to working with the entire group.”