Ever wonder if star players can actually overshadow each other? Clippers coach Ty Lue spills the tea on why Bradley Beal’s impressive stats in Phoenix flew under the radar next to Booker and Durant. What does this mean for his new role with the Clippers? You won’t believe the stats he put up!
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has offered a revealing insight into Bradley Beal’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns, suggesting that the guard’s substantial contributions were largely overshadowed by the star power of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. This perspective, shared during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by a talented third option on a superteam and sheds light on Beal’s anticipated revitalized role with the Clippers.
Lue candidly explained his belief that public perception unfairly judged Beal’s performance in Phoenix. Despite averaging 18 points, shooting 50% from the field, and an impressive 43% from beyond the arc, these statistics often went unnoticed or unappreciated. The presence of two generational scoring talents, Booker and Durant, meant that Beal’s significant offensive output was frequently downplayed, leading to an underestimation of his true impact on the court.
Delving deeper into Beal’s statistical output, the veteran guard posted averages of 17.6 points, 50.5% shooting from the field, and 40.7% from three-point range during his two seasons with the Suns. These figures are indeed remarkable for any player, let alone a third option, illustrating a consistent level of elite efficiency that few in the league can match. The trade that brought him to Phoenix in the summer of 2023, which saw Chris Paul depart, was a move intended to bolster their championship aspirations.
Coach Lue expressed considerable optimism regarding Beal’s future with the Clippers, viewing his arrival as a crucial “fresh start.” He asserted that Beal is poised to be “great for us,” underscoring the team’s need for his comprehensive skill set. Lue highlighted that while scoring remains a vital aspect of Beal’s game, the Clippers will also lean heavily on his ability to create opportunities for teammates, a facet of his play that often gets overlooked.
Interestingly, Lue’s assessment aligns with sentiments previously shared by coach JJ Redick, who also remarked on the undue criticism leveled at Beal during his time in Phoenix. Redick’s observations late in the 2024-25 season, prior to a Suns-Lakers matchup, reinforced the idea that Beal was taking “a lot of heat” despite his solid contributions, suggesting a broader understanding within coaching circles of the dynamics at play.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Bradley Beal possesses notable playmaking abilities, a critical component that Lue expects to fully utilize. Throughout his 13-season NBA career, Beal has averaged 4.3 assists, peaking with a career-high 6.6 assists in the 2021-22 season with the Wizards. Lue envisions Beal drawing multiple defenders, creating passing lanes, and facilitating high-percentage shots for his new Los Angeles Clippers teammates.
Defensively, Lue emphasized Beal’s consistent capability, noting that he “has always been good.” However, the coach added a challenge: Beal performs best when guarding elite players, stating, “when he’s guarding a guy that can play, he’s a really good defender.” This indicates a strategic use of Beal on the defensive end, leveraging his competitive drive against top-tier opponents.
Ultimately, the Los Angeles Clippers are banking on Bradley Beal to bring his “total all around package” to the team. His scoring efficiency, playmaking vision, and capable defense are all integral elements that Lue believes will make him an invaluable asset and a catalyst for success in their upcoming season. The narrative surrounding Beal’s potential resurgence is a key storyline for the NBA.
