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DENVER, CO – MAY 7: Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers shows signs of frustration against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – MAY 7: Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers shows signs of frustration against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA. The Washington Wizards star has still not unlocked his true potential, despite becoming a two-time NBA All-Star. He now has a new star-teammate in Washington. The Wizards acquired Russell Westbrook from the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Wall and a future first-round draft pick. But Beal shared his admiration for another point guard; Damian Lillard.
Bradley Beal spoke to the press about players that he respects and admires in the NBA. The first name that came out of his mouth was that of Damian Lillard.
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Beal noted that in his mind, Lillard’s game and work-ethic are up there with the best of the best.
“I would say a guy I always respect and admire is Dame. I always like Dame’s game, I watch him. Just his work ethic and he always improves his game every year.”
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DENVER, CO – MAY 7: Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers shows signs of frustration against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game five of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Beal added that he was consistently impressed with how Damian Lillard can improve on a yearly basis and that he gets better at shooting every time he sees him play.
“Every year he adds something. He takes a step back and shoots. I think he even shot a better percentage further away from the line than he did closer to the three-point line.”
Bradley Beal on Damian Lillard
Bradley Beal says he admires @Dame_Lillard's work ethic and how he improves his game each season. pic.twitter.com/Pd6eVXBdQE
— Becca Winkert (@BeccaMVP) December 11, 2020
Beal talked about how impressed he was with Lillard’s overall game and how he can do anything and everything he wants to.
“And granted, I don’t know if you can say that is good or bad, but I just think it speaks volumes about him putting things into his game. He’s a magnificent ball-handler, he gets to the basket, he manipulates defenses. I definitely admire Dame in what he does for sure.”
It surprising to hear Beal’s comments on Damian Lillard, given his new teammate situation. Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard have had issues in the past.
The most iconic moment from their strained relationship came about two years ago when Dame hit an amazing shot to knock out Russell Westbrook and the OKC from the playoffs in game seven of the series.
It will be interesting to see how Westbrook reacts to Beal’s comments. The new duo will take the court when the new NBA season begins on December 22nd, 2020.