NBA Rookie Draft Ranking and Fantasy Outlook: Bradley Beal
Jun 29, 2012 Shooting Guard Updates
The Washington Wizards selected Florida’s Bradley Beal with the third pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Beal’s career stats at Florida:
37 Games, 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 44.5 FG%, 76.9 FT%
Fantasy Advice: Beal fell into the perfect draft scenario for his skill set. The Wizards have an opening day lineup of John Wall, Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor and Nene. All they are missing is a shooting guard with a dependable outside shot. Welcome to Washington Bradley Beal.
Beal took 5 three pointers a game at Florida and hit them at a 33.9% clip. He’s going to have to continue to work on his shot to add a few points to that percentage, but he’s got the right mechanics and mental ability to do so. If he can consistently hit the jumper, he’s going to play and open things up for John Wall. If his shot goes south to a level that is worse than Jordan Crawford’s, then he’s going to see the pine while Crawford plays. It’s pretty simple, the Wiz are asking just one thing out of him, hit the shot that opens the floor.
Another quality that hasn’t been talked about too much is Beal’s rebounding ability. He managed to grab 6.7 rebounds a game, which is pretty solid from the guard spot. If that skill translates to the NBA, he could be looking at Dwyane Wade type rebound figures from the shooting guard position.
Beal will be an attractive fantasy draft target for owners who need to bolster their three point category, while hopefully getting decent points, rebounds and steals.
Tags: fantasy basketball, Shooting Guard