Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Rewind: Ranking the past five lottery selections

By Jack Skolnik

NEW YORK - JUNE 24: NBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo prior to the NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JUNE 24: NBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo prior to the NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Bradley Beal Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal Washington Wizards (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Bradley Beal (2012 NBA Draft)

Lottery odds: 2nd best odds (19.9%)
Selection: 3rd overall

Going into the 2012 draft, the Washington Wizards needed a spark. The Vesley situation was already becoming an issue, and John Wall needed a running mate. The 2012 NBA Draft became the Anthony Davis sweepstakes, but the Wizards fell from second to third in the lottery and weren’t able to land Davis.

The Hornets became the Anthony Davis sweepstakes winners and took him first overall. When the Charlotte Bobcats reached for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second pick, the Wizards had an obvious choice: Florida guard, Bradley Beal.

The smooth-shooting Beal was the second-best player on many people’s draft boards that year, and luckily enough, he fell right into the Wizards lap. On the surface, Beal was the perfect complement to John Wall. He could roam the three-point line and look to shoot or drive as Wall attacked the paint and pulled the defense in.

That’s exactly what the Wizards got from Beal in his first few seasons.

Beal spent the first portion of his career playing as the number two option in D.C. while Wall was top dog. He helped lead the Wizards to the playoffs three times in his first five seasons as we watched a star blossom before our eyes.

But over the last three seasons, as Beal has been forced to play without Wall, he has taken his game to whole new heights. He has made two All-Star appearances in the past three seasons and was the second-leading scorer this past season, averaging a career-high, 30.5 points per game.

Beal, still just 26 years old, has proven that he is more than just a shooter. And I doubt we’ve seen the best of Beal, yet. With the Wizards ready to make a run at the playoffs next season, the keys to the franchise are in Beal’s hands.

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