The Boston Celtics are a team on the hunt for a scoring boost, and the name of Bradley Beal has come up. But should they sign him? It's a tricky question, and the answer depends on which version of Beal they'd be getting.
On one hand, Beal is a three-time All-Star with a proven track record of scoring. He averaged 17.6 points per game while shooting 40.7 percent from 3 over his two seasons with the Suns. Plus, he's got a connection to Jayson Tatum, a close friend from St. Louis. They've never been teammates, but their relationship is special, and they'd likely enjoy sharing the court in Boston.
Beal's also not going to break the bank. After agreeing to a buyout with the Suns, he signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Clippers. And while his days of being an All-Star are likely behind him, he can still pack a decent scoring punch off the bench for the Celtics.
However, there's a catch. Beal's recent performance has been less than impressive. He averaged a career-low 8.2 points per game for the Clippers last season while shooting 37.5 percent from the field. And while he's expected to make a full recovery from a hip injury that required season-ending surgery, it's a red flag. Teams would still target him when he's on the court, and his lack of lockdown defense could be a problem.
In my opinion, the Celtics should be cautious about signing Beal. While he's a proven scorer, his recent performance and injury history are cause for concern. The team has other options to consider, and it might be better to look elsewhere to round out their roster. The Celtics need a reliable scorer, and while Beal fits the bill in some ways, there are risks involved.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to which version of Beal the Celtics would be getting. If it's the Beal we saw in Phoenix, he could be a valuable addition. But if it's the Beal we saw in Los Angeles, the team might be better off looking elsewhere. The Celtics need to weigh their options carefully and make a decision that's in the best interest of the team.
