NBA News: Bradley Beal To Miss Eight Weeks Due To Broken Wrist
One of the best starting backcourts in the NBA will be delayed in its launch in the upcoming NBA season. The Washington Wizard's Bradley Beal will miss six to eight weeks because of a broken left wrist that he suffered during Saturday's pre-season game against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Washington Post reports that the Team USA selectee's injury was confirmed Saturday when an MRI test showed the fracture in his non-shooting hand. Beal's mishap happened during the waning minutes of the first quarter of the said exhibition match when Hornets forward P.J. Hairston fouled him. Beal stayed on the court to make his free throws but did not return to action. The Wizards already affirmed his absence for the next few weeks as it released its statement on the incident.
"Wizards guard Bradley Beal underwent an MRI exam today that revealed a non-displaced fracture of the scaphoid bone in his left (non-shooting) wrist that will require surgery," the team said in a statement.
The 21-year-old player forms one of the most exciting backcourts in the Eastern Conference teaming up with speedster John Wall. Beal is known for his sweet stroke and has earned some comparisons to all-time three points made king Ray Allen. The Wizards are expected to continue their progress and rise in the conference as they have retained the services of both Wall and power forward/centre Nene. The team lost Trevor Ariza to free agency but has loaded up with former Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets small forward Paul Pierce. They have also shored up their frontcourt with the additions of Kris Humphries and Dajuan Blair.
The brief absence of Beal can be a blessing in disguise as it can provide more touches for Wall and the rest of the youngsters such as last year's lottery pick Otto Porter, Jr. and Glen Rice Jr. However, the loss of the outside threat of Beal is sure to be felt in the first two months of the Wizards campaign which is vital in positioning an early good start for the squad. Newly re-signed coach Randy Whittman will have be very creative to incorporate the youngsters and cushion the impact of Beal's loss.