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NBA Analyst Explains How Russell Westbrook and the Wizards Can Benefit From Bradley Beal’s Exit

Published 07/27/2021, 7:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Washington Wizards had a fairly good 2020-21 season in the NBA. Despite finishing in 8th position, the table does not portray the quality that the Wizards brought to the table. Two of the main stars in the armory of the Wizards were Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. The duo shone to a large extent of the year. However, more often than not, they displayed their brilliance individually rather than complimenting one another.

It is tough being Russell Westbrook, feels Jalen Rose

USA Today via Reuters

Over the past couple of seasons, Westbrook has seen himself shifting franchises multiple times. The 32-year-old was the NBA’s MVP in 2017, and continues to be a hot pick for teams. However, the move has surely not been easy for the Point-guard. And renowned NBA analyst Jalen Rose feels the same way.

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“If you’re Bradley Beal, when you talk to me about him being moved, you know the first thing I think about? I feel bad for Russ [Westbrook]. His last couple of stops, he got a chance to play with KD and he ended up leaving. Go to Houston, don’t really get that long to play again along with Harden. Now you get to Washington, y’all show some promise late in the season, and Bradley Beal may potentially ask for a trade.”

Bradley Beal exit can be advantageous for Westbrook

With the possible ouster of Beal though, Russell Westbrook can start on a fresh slate. The Wizards can lay out a brand new plan, and Westbrook can shine through. Talking with ESPN, Rose opined that the Beal trade could just be the change of dynamics that the former Oklahoma legend requires.

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“Here’s what I want to acknowledge. This is actually a good thing for Russ. Because if Bradley Beal requests for a trade, that means they have talked about it. And if they talked about it, that means Washington can look up and once training camp starts, there’s a good chance that they have a new roster.”

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As Rose rightly pointed out, a shift in setups could just be what both players need in order to lift their careers. “Is Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook at this point in their careers the future of Washington Wizards? I ask you. Since it’s not, you gotta go ahead and lay dominoes right now,” laid out the former NBA veteran. How will the Wizards’ off-season pan out? There is not long left till our questions are answered.

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
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