There is no player in the NBA who deserves to be more irritated over not making the 2020 All-Star Game than Bradley Beal, and Beal’s agent did not exactly take the high road when discussing the snub this week.
On Thursday, Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein unloaded on the Eastern Conference coaches who did not vote for the Washington Wizards star as a reserve for the All-Star Game. Bartelstein believes Beal was overlooked strictly because he plays for a rebuilding team, and the agent said that sends a “horrible message.”
Bradley Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein rips Eastern Conference coaches for the all-star snub.
Bartelstein: “I think they’ve sent a horrible message.” pic.twitter.com/M0l6SzDiGv
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 31, 2020
When you look at the numbers, it seems insane that Beal was not named an All-Star. He’s averaging a career-high in points with 28.7 per game and assists with 6.4 per game. The scoring average places Beal third in the East and sixth in the NBA.
After he scored 34 points — his lowest total in Washington’s last give games — in a win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, Beal admitted he is “a little pissed off.”
Beal emotional after the game, tells @cmillsnbcs "It's disrespectful" that he wasn't named an NBA All-Star pic.twitter.com/UIoNv0nVTm
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) January 31, 2020
Beal surprised some people when he agreed to a contract extension with the Wizards before the season, but he will be eligible to become a free agent after next season. If the Wizards can’t build a contender around him by then, he may be more inclined to leave. You have to wonder if the lack of attention Beal is getting this season will influence his decision.
