Wizards' Bradley Beal Reportedly Commits to Play for Team USA at 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Jun 18, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference play-in game Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has reportedly committed to play for Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Beal joins Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green among those who've pledged to play.
Assuming Beal makes the roster, he will look to help the United States men's basketball team win its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Beal is coming off his best NBA season, as he averaged a career-high 31.3 points per game in 2020-21 to go along with 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals.
The 27-year-old veteran also shot a career-best 48.5 percent from the field and made 34.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Beal made his third All-Star team, finished second in the NBA in scoring behind Warriors guard Stephen Curry and helped Washington make the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With Beal, Lillard and Tatum, Team USA has three of the NBA's top offensive players committed for the Summer Games, which is huge given the absence of other notable talents.
Los Angeles Lakers teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis and Miami Heat guard Jimmy Butler have removed themselves from consideration.
Other players who could potentially be part of Team USA include Curry, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Phoenix Suns guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul, and the Brooklyn Nets' triumvirate of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
Beal is set to play in his first Olympics, although he did represent the United States at the FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship and Under-17 World Championship, winning gold each time.
Team USA figures to have a fresh feel at the Tokyo Games. Beal, Lillard and Tatum would all play in the Olympics for the first time, while Gregg Popovich will make his Olympic debut as head coach after taking over for Mike Krzyzewski in 2017.
Regardless of who else is added to the team, the United States figures to be a massive favorite to continue its dominance and win another gold medal.
Wizards Reportedly Expected to Consider Female, International Candidates for HC Job
Jun 17, 2021
Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks gestures during the second half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Washington Wizards are expected to consider female and international candidates in their search to replace Scott Brooks as head coach.
Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington reported the Wizards are still formulating a list of candidates, and it is expected to include a wide range of coaches. Brooks parted ways with the franchise Wednesday after failing to reach a new contact.
There has been increasing momentum within the NBA for the first female head coach. Becky Hammon has been a respected assistant on Gregg Popovich's bench since 2014. Teresa Weatherspoon is expected to generate consideration for the head coaching vacancy in New Orleans, where she is currently an assistant coach. College head coaches like Dawn Staley (South Carolina) and Kara Lawson (Duke) have also been mentioned.
Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said the team plans a "very thorough, very diverse, very robust search." He added the team wants an "inclusive" process, which could allude to nontraditional candidates.
The Wizards have had an increased international presence under Sheppard, with his first two first-round draft picks, Rui Hachimura (Japan) and Deni Avdija (Israel), being from outside the United States. Davis Bertans (Latvia), Isaac Bonga (Germany) and Raul Neto (Brazil) are also non-Americans on the roster.
There are currently six head coaching vacancies, with the Celtics, Blazers, Magic, Pelicans and Pacers joining Washington. If the Milwaukee Bucks are eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, it's possible (and likely) Mike Budenholzer will be dismissed and create a seventh vacancy.
Given the massive number of job openings, it would be a surprise if one of these vacancies were not filled by a nontraditional candidate.
Wizards GM Talked With Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook Before Scott Brooks Decision
Jun 16, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Head coach Scott Brooks of the Washington Wizards looks on during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series at Capital One Arena on May 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Scott Brooks is out as head coach of the Washington Wizards, even though the team's stars—Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook—said they were hoping for a different resolution as the head coach came to the end of his five-year contract.
But general manager Tommy Sheppard said the pair shouldn't be caught off guard by the decision, as he spoke to them and others affected by the choice before bringing down the axe.
"I take all that into account," Sheppard said, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. "I had thorough conversations with everyone in the organization. I am aware of how people feel. I am aware of how I feel."
Beal and Westbrook both said Brooks should retain his role after the Wizards were eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
Westbrook's relationship with his former head coach dates back to 2008-09, when Brooks was an Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach in Westbrook's rookie year. He took over as head coach after 13 games and remained in that position for six more seasons. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2011-12.
"Players get a lot of credit because we're on the floor," Westbrook told reporters. "But behind the scenes, Scotty is one hell of a coach. Not just that, a person, and he does an amazing job making sure we've got all our stuff together."
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the two sides couldn't agree on a new deal, per Youngmisuk.
"This is showbiz; it's not show-friends," said Sheppard, who also called Brooks "a dear close friend."
"And what we got to do as an organization is continue to do whatever it takes to have sustainable winning."
Brooks was 183-207 with three postseason appearances during his tenure with Washington, which dates back to the 2016-17 season, when he led them to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
This year's group edged into the postseason, rallying from a 17-32 start amid season-ending injuries to Deni Avdija and Thomas Bryant and a two-week COVID-19 pause—all after expectations were sky-high following the trade that brought Westbrook to the East Coast.
There are now six head coaching jobs open in the NBA, with the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers also seeking new leaders.
Woj: HC Scott Brooks, Wizards Part Ways After Failing to Agree to New Contract
Jun 16, 2021
Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Scott Brooks era in Washington is reportedly over.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Brooks and the Wizards mutually parted ways Wednesday after failing to come to an agreement on a new contract.
The Wizards went 34-38 during the 2020-21 regular season, although they did reach the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference before getting eliminated in the first round in five games by the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.
Brooks' contract with the Wizards expired after Washington was eliminated, and the two sides were unable to reach a new deal.
The 55-year-old went 183-207 in his five seasons with the Wizards, leading the team to the postseason three times. Washington has now gone three straight seasons without a winning record, and this season was considered a disappointment given the star backcourt of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook.
Washington's defense has been poor and a key reason for its losing record this season. But a key figure in Thomas Bryant was also lost for the season with a torn ACL, and the team dealt with COVID-19 issues early in the year that hurt the integration of new players such as Westbrook and first-round pick Deni Avdija.
With Brooks gone and the Wizards failing to meet expectations, the conversation is going to turn to the future of Beal in Washington. To this point, he has been adamant he wants to stay with the organization.
“We wanna win," Beal told Shams Charania and Fred Katz of The Athletic in February. "I wanna win. This is why I stayed. I wanna win (here). I figure this is the place I can get it done.
However, Beal is also in his prime and hasn't won a playoff series since the 2016-17 season. If he decides he wants to move on, no shortage of contending teams will come calling.
It's possible Beal is in this for the long haul, but Brooks' departure will inevitably shift the conversation to his future.
Russell Westbrook to Produce Basketball-Themed Film on LA's Crenshaw Neighborhood
Jun 10, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) dribbles the ball during the first half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook continues to use his platform to shine a light on stories of the underserved and their communities across the United States.
Westbrook is going to produce a short film titled Why Not that focuses on the culture of Los Angeles' Crenshaw neighborhood:
Russ is producing a basketball-themed short film called “Why Not” focusing on the culture of L.A.’s Crenshaw neighborhood 💯
Westbrook was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Crenshaw is a residential neighborhood located in South L.A.
This marks the second high-profile film project that Westbrook has been associated with this year.
The nine-time All-Star was an executive producer on the History Channel documentary Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre that aired on May 30 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a white mob attack on Black Wall Street. An estimated 300 people died as houses, businesses and churches in the area were robbed and burned.
A premiere date for Why Not has yet to be announced.
Bradley Beal, Scott Brooks' Future with Wizards Discussed by GM Tommy Sheppard
Jun 3, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts during the second half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
As the Washington Wizards officially begin the offseason, much of the focus will be on what potential changes general manager Tommy Sheppard could look to make.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sheppard said the Wizards remain committed to keeping Bradley Beal and taking steps to improve the roster around the three-time All-Star.
As for the future of head coach Scott Brooks, Sheppard indicated a decision will come in the next few weeks.
Washington's season came to an end on Wednesday night with a 129-112 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The five-year contract that Brooks originally signed with the Wizards in April 2016 expires at the end of this season. The 55-year-old made it clear following Wednesday's game that he would like to return.
"I love it here," Brooks told reporters. "There’s no decision in my mind, I love it here."
Brooks has a 183-207 record with three playoff appearances in five seasons with the Wizards. His only postseason series win was against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round in 2017.
Beal has been the subject of trade rumors and speculation, though there has been no indication from his camp that he's looking to leave.
Shams Charania and Fred Katz of The Athletic reported in February that Beal has been "frustrated and confused" by people who criticize him for wanting to remain with the team that drafted him.
Next season is the final guaranteed year of Beal's contract with the Wizards. He will earn $34.5 million in 2021-22, with a player option for $37.3 million in 2022-23.
After starting this season 17-32, Washington won 18 of its final 25 games to earn a spot in the play-in tournament. It defeated the Indiana Pacers to clinch the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.
Beal had the best season of his career, ranking second in the NBA with 31.3 points per game and shooting 48.5 percent from the field. The 27-year-old has spent his entire nine-year career with the Wizards.
Bradley Beal Expects Rumors About His Wizards Future: 'S--t, They're Starting Now'
Jun 3, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is aware that rumors regarding his future with the team are about to pick up now that he is set to enter the final year of his contract.
Beal said the following while addressing the media after the Wizards fell 129-112 to the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of their first-round series, which resulted in Washington's elimination:
"Ultimately, I'm in control. I think that's my biggest thing. People are going to report whatever they want, but I know where my mind is and I know if it's not coming from the horse's mouth, then it's going to be rumors. I expect them. S--t, they're starting now.
"So it doesn't change anything. I guess it's going to increase a lot more this year with me going into the last year of my deal, but for me, I'm just relaxing, resting my body, and we'll evaluate all that when summer comes."
Beal signed a two-year extension in 2019, and although he does have a player option for 2022-23, the expectation is that he will decline it in pursuit of a max contract unless he signs an extension before then.
The 27-year-old Beal is coming off the best season of his career, as he was named an All-Star for the third time and finished second in the scoring race to Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Beal averaged 31.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per game in 60 appearances while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from long range.
He also performed at a high level in the play-in games to get Washington into the playoffs and then averaged 30.0 points per game against the Sixers.
After his season came to an end Wednesday, Beal had no interest in discussing his future, saying: "I haven't even ... we're not gonna think about that or even talk about it right now. ... I haven't thought about none of that as of yet."
Beal would be a hot name on the trade market this offseason should Washington make him available. If not, he would likely be the top name on the free-agent market next offseason.
He has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Wizards, and he has gotten progressively better with each passing season to the point that he is now one of the league's top scorers.
While Beal and Russell Westbrook were enough to net the Wizards the No. 8 seed, they are a long way away from contending for a championship. And Beal has never been on a championship contender during his Wizards tenure.
It is essentially all up to Beal whether he wants to remain with the Wizards or explore opportunities elsewhere. If he makes it clear that an extension isn't on the table, one can only assume the Washington front office will move him, and his game would seemingly fit with any contending team.
Tobias Harris, Seth Curry Help 76ers Eliminate Wizards With Game 5 Win
Jun 3, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense on Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers are on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third time in four years after eliminating the Washington Wizards with a 129-112 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Playing without Joel Embiid (knee), the Sixers inserted guard Matisse Thybulle into the starting lineup. The second-year pro responded with seven points in 16 minutes, helping clinch the series at Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia will play the Atlanta Hawks in the second round.
Getting a healthy Embiid back on the floor remains the top priority for Philadelphia, but finishing off Washington at home Wednesday was just as imperative. The Sixers proved they can win in the postseason without their MVP finalist. They just don't want to have to continue to do so for much longer.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Washington Wizards: 24 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds
Curry, Harris Step Up With Embiid Out
For the first half on Wednesday, Washington appeared to have the upper hand on a Sixers team trying to figure out how to play without Embiid in the middle.
Philadelphia's post defense looked nonexistent as the Wizards shot 53.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded the home team 24-17. Every time the Sixers chipped away at Washington's lead, the Wizards would come right back with a quick bucket.
It was a clear recipe for an upset—until Tobias Harris and Seth Curry took over alongside Ben Simmons.
The two starters made up for the loss of Embiid and then some, combining for 58 points as Simmons polished off another triple-double. Which is what made it so fitting that a Curry three-pointer off a Simmons assist early in the third quarter is what ended up putting the Sixers ahead for good.
Philly is used to watching the dynamic duo of Simmons and Embiid take the lead in big games. In Game 5, it was a trio of stars taking over.
The Sixers ran their largest lead up to 21 after trailing by seven and finished shooting 51.2 percent from the floor, while Washington dropped to 49.4 percent for the game. Philadelphia also came back to win the rebounding battle 40-38 and notched 52 points in the paint as Harris' inside-out game—coupled with Curry knocking down three of six three-pointers—gave Washington's defense fits.
Whether that strategy works out against an Atlanta Hawks team that boasts a much larger frontcourt with Clint Capela and John Collins remains to be seen. That'll be a problem for Thursday, and one that largely depends on the health of Embiid.
For now, the Sixers continue to prove they have more tools they can turn to than just their franchise cornerstones. If there was ever a doubt why Philadelphia was the team to beat in the East coming into the playoffs, Wednesday helped erase it.
Where the Wizards Go Next
The 2020-21 season was a bizarre one for the Wizards, to say the least.
The team started off by trading John Wall to the Houston Rockets for Russell Westbrook, sank to the bottom of the standings and then rallied back to advance to the postseason via the play-in tournament and took a game from the No. 1 team in the East before getting bounced.
So where does that leave head coach Scott Brooks?
Not even he knows.
Scott Brooks says there is "no decision" in his mind about whether he wants to remain in Washington. "I love it here." Brooks' contract expires after this season.
The 55-year-old has reached the end of his contract in Washington without much to show for it. He guided the team to a Southeast Division title in 2016-17 before losing in the second round in his first year with the team, but that proved to be the high point of his tenure.
What followed was two first-round exits and two missed postseasons.
Shooting guard Bradley Beal certainly isn't going anywhere. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $71.8 million extension that begins next season. He won't become an unrestricted free agent until 2023. That's the same year Westbrook is scheduled to hit the open market.
Davis Bertans is signed through 2025, but beyond that, the roster is in flux. Center Thomas Bryant is signed through 2022, while Robin Lopez, Raul Neto and Alex Len are all free agents.
Whether the Wizards are going to attempt a full rebuild remains to be seen.
Either way, the club has many big decisions ahead—starting with its head coach.
What's Next?
The Sixers will face the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with the series scheduled yet to be released. Games 1 and 2 will be played in Philadelphia when the series tips off.
Russell Westbrook Passes Jason Kidd for 3rd on NBA's Playoff Triple-Doubles List
Jun 1, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 31: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards looks to shoots a free throw against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round 1, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 31, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook moved into third place on the all-time list for triple-doubles in the NBA playoffs.
Westbrook notched his 12th triple-double after finishing with 19 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists in a 122-114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. The nine-time All-Star moved into sole possession of third place ahead of Jason Kidd.
Earlier this year, Westbrook became the NBA's triple-doubles king by moving ahead of Oscar Robertson. Chasing down Magic Johnson for the postseason mark might be tough, though, considering how much ground he still has to make up on the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
One thing is clear: The Wizards will need the 32-year-old to continue filling out the stat sheet in order to come back from what was a 3-0 series deficit to Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid Drops 36 as 76ers Dominate Wizards to Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
May 30, 2021
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) gestures to the crowd after his dunk during the first half of Game 3 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
After notching the No. 8 seed via the play-in tournament, Washington's postseason run appears headed for an early end after a 132-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Saturday. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit.
The Wizards will attempt to be the first beginning with Game 4 in Washington on Monday night.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were electric once again in the victory, combing for 50 points as the Sixers move one win away from a first-round sweep.
Whatever hope the Wizards had of reasserting themselves at home against the Sixers evaporated about as soon as the ball was tipped on Saturday. That was mostly due to the play of Embiid, who showed once again why he’s an MVP finalist this year with a career-best performance in the playoffs.
Embiid notched 25 points in the first half alone before finishing with 36 for the night while shooting 14-of-18 from the floor in 28 minutes. The Sixers didn't even need him in the fourth quarter, otherwise those numbers surely would've been higher.
But it wasn’t just the way Embiid’s shots were falling so much as where he was launching them from.
The big man was able to get to nearly any spot he wanted on the floor with ease, backing down Wizards forward Robin Lopez on multiple occasions as he drilled five shots from mid-range, dropped in another six buckets in the paint and went 3-of-4 from behind the arc.
His Sixers teammates joined in, especially from long range. Philadelphia made 17 three-pointers compared to just eight by the Wizards. That helped the Sixers notch at least 36 points in each of the first three quarters and run away with a road victory to move one win away from a first-round sweep.
Saturday was also the third straight game Philly scored at least 120 points as all five starters notched at least 14 points. By the end of the night, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers was able to empty his bench and give his starts plenty of rest ahead of Game 4.
Wizards On The Brink
Whatever magic the Wizards harnessed to battle their way from last in the Eastern Conference to the No. 8 seed appears to have run out against the Sixers. Those good vibes weren't the only thing missing in Washington, however, as any semblance of the Wizards' defense proved hard to find on Saturday.
Washington allowed the Sixers to shoot an astounding 58.6 percent from the field and 51.5 percent on three-pointers while getting absolutely clobbered on the boards. Philadelphia out-rebounded the Wizards 51-41 overall, but 44-28 on the defensive glass in particular.
Not even another triple-double from Russell Westbrook could make up for Washington's lack of answers on defense, to say little of the Wizards shooting 39.6 percent from the floor.
Three years after Washington was last in the postseason, it appears it's headed for another early exit. The Wizards' last playoff appearance ended with a first-round loss to the Toronto Raptors in six games.
Washington hasn't advanced to the second round since the 2016-17 season. It doesn't appear 2021 will end that streak.
Not unless head coach Scott Brooks can retool his team's defense before Game 4. If not, he may have to plead his case to the front office if he hopes to keep his job.
What's Next
Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal is set for Monday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
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