John Wall will likely miss the entire 2019-20 season as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles, but Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks believes in the ability of Wall’s backcourt partner to replicate his production.
Appearing this week on Sports Illustrated’s “The Crossover NBA Show,” Brooks indicated that guard Bradley Beal could flirt with double-digit assists.
“Three years ago, when I took the job, I knew he could shoot,” said Brooks of Beal. “But he can score in every area of the floor, attack the basket, free throws, three points. And now I think the last year and a half he was able to facilitate and make his teammates better this year.
“I think there’s no limit,” Brooks continued. “I think he can average eight or nine assists a game. I think those are numbers that are attainable, and I think he’s ready for that challenge.”
Beal, the two-time All-Star, averaged a robust 25.6 points a game last year but has never posted more than 5.5 assists per game in a single season. With Wall out however and the Wizards likely running with a cornucopia of Ish Smith, Isaiah Thomas, and Chasson Randle at point guard next season, Beal could be facing the largest playmaking responsbility of his NBA career.
The 26-year-old is otherwise facing an uncertain future in Washington, but for the time being at least, we may be seeing him put up some otherworldly stats for the Wizards.
