TITLE: Bradley Beal says Suns misused him during first game back in Phoenix
SLUG: bradley-beal-says-suns-misused-him-during-return-to-phoenix
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS guard Bradley Beal said his two seasons with the Phoenix Suns were hampered by how he was deployed, telling reporters Thursday night that former coaches Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer “wanted me to set screens and play in the dunker” instead of featuring him as a primary scorer.
Beal’s comments came after a 13-point defeat at Footprint Center, his first appearance in Phoenix since signing with the Clippers. The home crowd booed the 32-year-old during introductions and each time he handled the ball. He finished with a season-low five points on 2-for-14 shooting in 19 minutes and was pulled with 6:02 left in the third quarter.
Phoenix acquired Beal from Washington in the 2023 offseason to form a core with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, but injuries limited him to 53 games in each campaign. His refusal to waive a no-trade clause further restricted the Suns’ roster options, making him a target of fan frustration.
“When you allow me to be that guy, I’ll be that,” Beal said. “But when you have two coaches that want you to set screens and play in the dunker, you’re not Brad Beal. You’re somebody else.”
Following two frustrating years, player and team negotiated a summer buyout. Beal surrendered $13.9 million of the $110 million remaining on his contract, then joined the Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option.
Beal, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in the offseason, is still on a minutes restriction and has yet to appear in a fourth quarter this year. Head coach Tyronn Lue said he expects the three-time All-Star to regain full scoring form once healthy.
The guard stressed he held no animosity toward Suns fans, signing autographs and greeting ex-teammates after the game. Phoenix and Los Angeles meet again Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena.
“That’s basketball,” Beal said. “How you bounce back is a testament to your character. See you Saturday.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
