National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal Talks All-Star Goals, Works Out Before Season (Video)

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal recently spoke about his goals for the 2016-17 NBA season, which include making the All-Star team.

After agreeing to a $130 million extension this past summer, Bradley Beal became the highest paid player in Washington Wizards history.

Normally, a player who gets the title of “highest paid player” has established himself as one of the league’s premier talents. Entering his fifth season, Beal has yet to make an NBA All-Star team and has suffered a stress reaction in every season since being drafted third overall.

Despite the reoccurring setbacks, the Wizards have managed to get a decent look at what type of player Beal is and can become.

Averaging over 20 points in two of the Wizards’ playoff appearances, Beal has shown that he’s capable of producing at a high level. For him, it’s just a matter of staying healthy.

Washington made the $130 million investment with the belief that the health concerns are behind Beal.

With Scott Brooks replacing Randy Wittman and Ernie Grunfeld starting a youth movement, the pieces are in place for the Wizards to return to the postseason. Much of their success, however, will be determined by the amount of growth Beal made in the off-season.

This summer, Beal worked out with Drew Hanlen, whom he’s known since high school, and put a special focus on his physical strength and diet. At media day, Beal was visibly leaner than he was last season.

Recently, Whistle Sports released an exclusive video of Beal working on his game and speaking about his goals for the upcoming 2016-17 season.

“This is the best I’ve had, in terms of being really dedicated and focused on my work,” Beal said in the video. “The biggest thing I really wanted to improve on his creating a shot for myself off the dribble.

“The next big step for me is definitely being an All-Star,” Beal said. “In order for that to happen, I need to have a healthy season. Everything has been good so far. I’m confident and ready to go for the season.”

Along with being an All-Star, Beal spoke about wanting to become a member of the All-NBA and All-Defensive team. Setting goals is the first step. Now it’s on Beal to prove himself to the team and the entire league.

Washington will begin the season in less than a week. It’s pretty clear that Beal has done everything necessary to take “the leap,” as many have called it. Everything he needs to succeed is in D.C. He’s got the money, the team’s support and the city backing him. The team, in many ways, will go as far as he can take them.