Just when the Los Angeles Clippers seemed to be clearing the injury slate, they announced that shooting guard Bradley Beal will have season-ending surgery on his hip. This decision follows Beal’s exit during the first half of Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns due to hip soreness. Beal, 32, recently completed his 14th season in the NBA. He plied his craft first with the Washington Wizards, then with the Phoenix Suns, and now he finds himself in the Clippers’ organization.
Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, did indeed confirm the surgery. He added that it will set the stage for an eventual, “full and complete recovery.” The Clippers have been lost in Beal’s absence, going 1-3 so far this season without him. Prior to injury, Beal was averaging 8.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in just six games played. Based on his sub-129.5 defensive efficiency rating (-128.5) over his 121 minutes played this season, that fell right on the mark.
“The decision to proceed with surgery was not taken lightly,” Bartelstein stated. “We met with numerous doctors and specialists around the country in collaboration with the entire Clippers medical staff over the last few days, and came to the decision unanimously that the surgery will allow Brad to have a full and complete recovery.”
Beal signed with the Clippers this season to a two-year, $11 million contract. The contract has a player option for the 2026-27 season. Of these, going to the Pacers seems to offer him the best chance to make it into free agency next summer, with huge implications for his career path.
In addition to his prolific and award-winning career, Beal has been consistent his entire life. He’s averaged 21.4 points and 4.3 assists across an obviously impressive 807 games played. His elite football IQ and outstanding positional versatility have always made him a highly productive, indispensable player for any team he’s ever played for.
As Beal prepares for surgery, as the Clippers play on without one of their best players, it’s turmoil and uncertainty in Clipper-land. The team must quickly adapt to fill the void left by Beal’s absence while hoping for a successful recovery and return in future seasons.
Leave a Reply