Scoring Just 1 Point! What’s Going On with Bradley Beal This Season?

In a season that has already been full of ups and downs for the Phoenix Suns, one player’s struggles have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Bradley Beal, the former Washington Wizards star, has not only been inconsistent but, at times, a complete shadow of the player who once averaged over 30 points per game in back-to-back seasons. The latest embarrassment came in a loss to the defending champion Boston Celtics, where Beal, in his first game back after a 15-day injury layoff, scored just 1 point in 30 minutes of action. His shooting numbers? A staggering 0-of-7 from the field, 0-of-3 from three-point range, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line.

While Devin Booker did his best to keep the Suns competitive, putting up 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, Beal’s performance was nothing short of disastrous. The 1-point output was the worst of his career, and it left fans and analysts alike wondering: what happened to Beal? How did a player who once seemed like a perennial All-Star fall so far? And more importantly, where does Beal stand in terms of his overall value to the Suns?

A Fallen Star: Beal’s Decline Over the Years

To fully understand the magnitude of Beal's struggles, it’s important to look back at his career trajectory. In the 2019-2021 seasons, Beal was nothing short of elite. He finished as the second-highest scorer in the NBA in back-to-back years, with 30.5 and 31.3 points per game, respectively. He was in the same conversation as the league’s best, competing with the likes of James Harden and Stephen Curry for the scoring title. Beal’s ability to shoot from all areas of the floor — combined with his exceptional ball handling and scoring ability — made him one of the most feared offensive players in the game.

In the final year of his time with the Washington Wizards (2022-2023), Beal's scoring dipped slightly, but he was still averaging 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He remained a very effective player, though not quite the offensive juggernaut he once was. Even so, Beal was still considered a top-tier talent and one of the most sought-after stars in the league.

However, something changed after his move to the Suns.

The Suns Experiment: Beal’s Fit in Phoenix

In a high-profile trade, Beal was acquired by the Suns in the summer of 2023, joining forces with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to form what was dubbed a potential “superteam.” The theory behind the Suns’ trio was clear: Booker would be the primary scorer, Durant would handle scoring and playmaking duties, and Beal would provide scoring punch from the wing, while also facilitating in certain sets. It all seemed to fit on paper — but things haven't worked out that smoothly in reality.

Beal’s scoring and overall offensive production have taken a noticeable hit. Even though his shooting efficiency remains solid with splits of 49.9% from the field, 39.0% from three, and 80.8% from the free-throw line — which collectively still represent a 60.0% true shooting percentage, his fit within the Suns’ offense has been questionable. The numbers tell the story clearly: when Beal is on the floor, the Suns score 110.7 points per 100 possessions but are outscored by an average of 8.4 points. On the flip side, when Beal sits, the Suns’ offense flourishes, scoring 116.3 points per 100 possessions and outscoring their opponents by 1.5 points. That 8.4-point swing between Beal on and off the court is a glaring red flag, and it reflects how disconnected Beal has been from the Suns' offensive flow this season.

A Deepening Struggle: Beal’s Value Diminishes

Looking deeper into Beal's overall numbers for the season, it's apparent that his struggles have had a ripple effect on his overall impact. As of now, he’s played in 49 games for the Suns, starting in 34 of them. He averages 17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, all career lows for the 31-year-old. His production has fallen drastically from his peak years, and the regression is hard to ignore.

The Suns acquired Beal expecting him to be a reliable second option to Booker — a player who could take over games when Booker needed rest or help when defenses keyed in on Phoenix’s star guard. However, the results have been disappointing. Beal’s performances have been up and down, and there are nights where it feels as though he is a non-factor in the offense.

The most concerning aspect of Beal’s decline is his inability to influence the game even when his shot is off. Although he still gets to the line at a decent rate and plays solid defense (with 3 steals, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Celtics game), those are not enough to make up for his utter lack of scoring production. With Beal on the court, the Suns have struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, and the team’s performance has suffered as a result.

Contract and Trade Implications: Is Beal’s Deal a Mistake?

The Suns signed Beal to a massive contract that sees him earning $50.2 million this season alone. Additionally, he has two more years left on his deal, totaling $53.67 million and $57.13 million (the latter of which is a player option for the 2025-2026 season). Simply put, Beal’s contract is one of the most expensive in the league, and his on-court performance this year is nowhere near the level expected from such a high-salary player.

It’s also worth mentioning that Beal has a no-trade clause, meaning he has the final say on any potential deal. For a player underperforming at such a high cost, this situation is tricky for the Suns. They would love to move Beal to free up space for another superstar, but his contract and the trade veto complicate matters. This leaves Phoenix in an unenviable position: how do you build a championship contender around a player who is not living up to his contract?

For Beal, his trade veto might be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, he can ensure that he is sent to a team of his choosing, but on the other, it limits his options and could make a trade even more difficult for Phoenix. Given his current struggles and the Suns’ glaring need for a more cohesive team dynamic, Beal might find himself in a precarious position in the future.

Can Beal Bounce Back?

Despite his poor play this season, it’s hard to completely count out Beal’s ability to return to form. At 31, he’s not yet at the age where players typically decline dramatically, and we’ve seen flashes of his elite scoring ability in the past. It’s possible that Beal needs a change of scenery — a system that better fits his strengths and allows him to be the lead scorer once again.

For instance, a move to a team that isn’t as dependent on a star point guard like Booker or Durant could give Beal more room to operate offensively and regain his confidence. In the right situation, he could still be a valuable asset, averaging 20+ points per game and contributing on both ends of the floor.

But right now, the Suns are stuck with a player whose value is difficult to measure. His struggles to mesh with Phoenix's offensive system, paired with his massive contract, have put the franchise in a difficult position. The Suns are faced with an uncertain future as they try to determine what to do with Beal — especially as they look to make their big push for a title.

Final Thoughts: A Contract, a Career, and a Future Uncertain

Bradley Beal’s decline this season has been one of the more surprising storylines of the NBA. A player who once scored 30 points per game with ease is now a shell of his former self, and that raises serious questions about his future in Phoenix. Whether Beal can reclaim his previous form or if this season is the beginning of a longer-term decline remains to be seen. Regardless, it’s clear that the Suns have significant questions to answer in the offseason.