- The Washington Times - Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Ever since he signed his two-year, $72 million extension last fall, Bradley Beal has occasionally explained why he chose to stay with the Washington Wizards. He loved that the Wizards “basically gave (him) the keys” to the organization, he told ESPN. He has also said there is no guarantee he’d be the No. 1 option if he went elsewhere. 

But according to Beal’s close friend, the Wizards star would be more famous if he played in a different market. 

Appearing on Showtime’s “All the Smoke” podcast, Celtics star Jayson Tatum said Beal is the most underrated player in the league — and suggested that might not be the case if he played in a bigger city.

Tatum and Beal are close friends, having grown up together in St. Louis. Beal is six years older than Tatum, but mentored Tatum when Beal was in high school. 

“He averaged 31 a season and he didn’t make the All-Star Game,” Tatum said. “I feel like probably if he was in a bigger market, he would be on ESPN more. … I think he need more attention because he is a killer.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic halted the NBA season, Beal ranked second in scoring with a career-high 30.5 points per game. Despite the mark, the 26-year-old missed out on this year’s All-Star Game, which left him furious.

The Wizards had just one national TV game this season, when they met the Cleveland Cavaliers on ESPN on Nov. 8. Besides that, those who want to see Beal will either have to watch him on local broadcasts, in person or on highlights after the games. 

According to Sports Business Journal, the Wizards’ local television ratings rank among the worst in the league — with Washington the fourth least-watched team in the league.

Of course, one could argue if Beal was on a better team — not just market — he would get more attention. The Wizards are just 24-40 this season, 5 ½ games out of the playoffs. 

“I don’t know what it is,” Tatum said. “Real basketball fans, they know. They know how good (Beal) is.” 

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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