Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

I’m not gonna be an a**hole: Bradley Beal opens up about Suns’ bench demotion

Beal also opened up on his reaction when the Suns’ coaching staff informed him of the decision to bench him.

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bradley Beal came off the bench to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 123-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night, scoring a game-high 25 points. It was a crucial win for the Suns, who have now won two of their last three games.

After the game, Beal spoke candidly about the adjustment to his new role. The veteran guard, who hasn’t come off the bench in nearly eight years, shared his thoughts on the change.

When asked about the biggest adjustment, Beal said, “Everything. My preparation is totally different. You’ve got to make sure you’re ready to go by the time your name is called.”

Beal also opened up on his reaction when the Suns’ coaching staff informed him of the decision.

“I literally looked at coach and said, ‘Okay, I’m not going to argue your major decision. It’s up to the coach,’” Beal revealed.

NEW: Bradley Beal opens up more postgame about the Suns decision to have him come off the bench. He's had 25-points in two of the three games off the bench… You be the judge. @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/9GbPz6Zjaw
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) January 10, 2025

Despite the change, Beal said he will not be unprofessional.

When asked about the weirdest part of the experience, he responded, “Every moment. But again, I’m not gonna be a distraction, I’m not gonna be an a**hole, I’m not gonna be unprofessional. I always take pride in my game, in who I am, in what I do. This is no different. I guess it’s just more magnified because it’s something that people are not used to seeing.”

The move to bring Beal off the bench has raised questions, especially with rumors of locker room tension in Phoenix. The video of Beal avoiding the team’s pre-game hurdle before the Hawks’ game has further fuelled the rumours of a possible trade in coming days.

Also Read:

Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause remains intact

According to reports, Phoenix Suns are more than willing to offer Beal to Miami Heat in order to acquire Jimmy Butler. However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed that Beal and his agent Mark Bartelstein have not entered into any discussions regarding waiving the 31-year-old’s no-trade clause.

“Sounds like no. His agent Mark Bartlestein told me there’s been no discussion either with the Suns or any other team about Bradley Beal waiving his no-trade clause. The reason that’s become an issue over the last couple of days, the Heat said they were going to trade Jimmy Butler”, Windhorst said on ‘Get Up’.

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.