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NBA Draft Profile: Bradley Beal
- Updated: May 18, 2012
By: Kels Dayton
BRADLEY BEAL
6-4, 207 lbs.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
School: Florida
Class: Freshman
Jeff Blake/US Presswire
STRENGTHS: Beal is a do-it-all guard with a terrific stroke and the size and speed to excel in the NBA. He had a fine freshman season in Gainesville, averaging 14.6 points, 6.5 boards and 2.2 assists per game in helping lead the Gators back to within the brink of the Final Four. He’s an excellent defender, has quick hands and can come from out of nowhere to grab a steal or block a shot. Beal is also a tough finisher with great athleticism and a knack for finishing around the basket.
WEAKNESSES: He’s not a great ballhandler, and might have trouble getting his own shot in the NBA. There are better athletes in this class, and Beal doesn’t possess the jaw-dropping length or dunking ability that Jeremy Lamb or Harrison Barnes have.
BOTTOM LINE: Bradley Beal is a steady, solid pro who has the chance to grow into a star in the NBA. He doesn’t have ridiculous athleticism or insane physical gifts, but he’s big enough (6-4, 207) and steady enough to thrive in the league. His biggest asset is his jump shot, which will allow him to get minutes in crunch time no matter where he ends up. Beal should be a top-five pick, and is a safer bet than Lamb or Barnes to become an impact player in the pros.