BBE Alum Bradley Beal is an All-Star for the third time, and for the first time he will start the annual game featuring all of the best players in the NBA.
The Washington Wizards star was the leading vote-getter amongst Eastern Conference guards, as selected by fans, with an overwhelming total of nearly 3.5 million votes. He also was the top pick among East guards according to the media and players, making his selection as an All-Star starter unanimous.
“It is truly an honor to be selected to start in the All-Star game for the first time in my career,” said Beal. “I want to thank the fans, media and players for selecting me to represent the Wizards organization during the All-Star festivities in Atlanta. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches, the entire organization, and our fans who are still supporting us through this unprecedented season.”
The stats back up Brad’s selection as one of the NBA’s best players. At the time of his selection (Feb. 18), he is averaging 32.8 points per game, along with a career-high 5.2 rebounds per game and 4.7 assists per game, while shooting 47.3 percent from the field. Brad’s scoring punch this season has established him among the league’s elite players, not only this season, but in NBA history. He started the season on a tear, scoring 25+ points in 17 consecutive games, surpassing Michael Jordan’s streak from 1988-89 as the longest to start a season since the NBA-ABA merger. It also ranks fifth longest in league history.
To date, No. 3 has scored 786 points in Washington’s first 24 games, which marks the most points scored through a player’s first 24 games in franchise history. Additionally, he has posted 16 games of 30+ points, which ranks second in the league, and is tied for the league lead with three games of 40+ points. His 60-point outing against the Philadelphia 76ers is the second highest single game scoring total of the season and he is one of just 10 players to score 60 or more in a game over the last 10 seasons.
He was joined in the East backcourt by Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving. The East frontcourt starters are Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. Durant led all East vote getters and LeBron James led all West vote getters, making them team captains for the All-Star draft. We’ll find out on Thursday, March 4 whether Brad will start for Team LeBron or Team Durant.
The 2021 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to be played on Sunday, March 7th in Atlanta.
