Wizards guard Bradley Beal averaged 20-plus points for the second straight season, he led Washington in total points (1,857) and minutes (2,977), and he showed the NBA that he was worthy of an All-Star nod this year. The sixth-year NBA hooper was a bright spot on a team that was bounced in the first round of the playoffs and finished with a disappointing 43-39 record. Wizards fans have to feel like something has to give this offseason in the nation’s capital, because they aren’t close to competing for a championship. The organization is paying A-money to B-minus and C-plus players and it has a ball-centric point guard who can’t shoot (John Wall). In other words, Otto Porter making $26 million this year and Wall shooting 42 percent is not a winning formula.
Thunder forward Corey Brewer switched teams mid-season for the second straight year. Brewer was traded from Houston to Los Angeles last season and was bought out by the Lakers this season, leaving the door open for the Thunder to acquire him late in the regular season. Brewer showed flashes of his former self, scoring in the 20s multiple times this season.
Heat forward Udonis Haslem played in just 14 games this year for a grand total of 70 minutes as his career winds down.
Celtics center Al Horford evolved as a player this year and provided leadership on a team that was a game away from the NBA Finals. Horford really stepped up as a ball-handler and passer, averaging by far the most assists in his NBA career (4.7). Big Al will return next year with more help and probably second-best odds to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy next season.
Knicks center Joakim Noah‘s future in New York looks a bit brighter now that the organization has hired a new coach in David Fizdale. Fizdale said he’s open to the idea of Noah coming back, but nothing really points to it actually happening.
Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons played in less than half his team’s games for the second straight campaign. Parsons has to focus on getting healthy in order to live up to expectations.
Magic forward Marreese Speights showed he still had the touch from long range this season, shooting around 37 percent from deep.
Boston Celtics
Al Horford (C)
Dallas Mavericks
Dorian Finney-Smith (F)
Memphis Grizzlies
Chandler Parsons (F)
Miami Heat
Udonis Haslem (F)
New York Knicks
Joakim Noah (C)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Corey Brewer (F)
Orlando Magic
Marreese Speights (F)
Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal (G)
Devin Robinson (F) – Westchester Knicks
