3 goals for Bradley Beal for the 2024-25 NBA season

The Phoenix Suns had a disappointing 2023-24 NBA season. Despite that, there's still a significant amount of expectations for the Phoenix Suns heading into the 2024-25 campaign. As they try to run it back with the Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, fans and critics alike look forward to what the team is capable of.

One vital element of last season that held the Suns back is the lack of production and unavailability of Beal. The former Washington Wizards star only appeared in 53 games for the Suns. Like any other player, the shooting guard had a hard time dealing with injuries. However, even when he was active and on the court, he had mediocre performances.

The Suns finished as the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record last season. Beal averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists. That was the first he registered less than 20 points since the 2015-16 campaign.

As the Suns try to contend for a title with the same group, there are objectives for Beal that the fans would appreciate

Beal's co-stars, Booker and Durant, have been effective since their team-up. And so far, the three-time All-Star has been unable to keep up with the team's go-to guys. As a star, people expect him to produce well, regardless of the situation. This is why our team gave him an honest, yet demoralizing grade for his showing last season.

Now that he's had a firsthand experience of what it's like to play along with elite stars, Beal should know what he must do for the team to work. Here are three goals for the star shooting guard next season.

3. Stay healthy

Staying healthy has never been easy, for any star in the league. Beal has consistently found himself the favorite of the injury bug even before he was traded to the Suns. Last season, injuries to his hamstring, ankle and many more, took a toll on his body.

With his injuries, the other two stars were tasked with most heavy lifting, specifically on the offensive end. His constant absence wasn't all negative, luckily. With a vacant spot in the starting lineup, players like Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale had more time to play with the stars.

It isn't easy to stay healthy, especially with the amount of games teams have to play each season. Add to that, if the team reaches the postseason, there are more games and it's more physical. Staying healthy isn't Beal's main goal, but it would help the Suns tremendously if he's available and ready to play.

2. Learn to play off the ball

Beal is most comfortable playing basketball if the ball is in his hands. However, we've seen that that hasn't been the most effective way of playing competitive basketball. With the Wizards, he averaged at least 30 points twice. But that resulted in only one playoff appearance and Washington was eliminated in the first round.

Offensively, Beal is a threat. He's a three-level scorer and can get the team going once he gets his rhythm. With the Suns, he now has to share the ball. And with two other ball-dominant stars, who are far healthier and efficient, he has to learn how to be a threat without the ball.

Last season, fans watched the Big 3 take turns running the offense and it wasn't a delightful sight.

In their second run as a star trio, one has to learn to be a threat off the ball. The way I see it, Beal should be the one to do most of the off-ball running to draw defenses. Championship teams like the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have maximized their stars by using them as off-ball decoys. The Suns have three elite offensive weapons and could make use of this approach for a chance to win a title next season.

1. Sacrifice his starting spot

Beal has always been a solid starter since he started his career. Before he arrived at Phoenix, the last time he played a game off the bench was during the 2014-15 season. He played his first four games that season as a non-starter and was immediately plugged into the starting lineup since then.

However, things are different now that he's with the Suns. Unlike when he was in Washington, he's not a lone star anymore. He's playing with some of the best offensive players in the league. Additionally, Beal plays the same position as Booker. Although the former Kentucky shooting guard played the point guard (according to Basketball Reference) last season, it's still not a good fit.

The Suns need a legitimate point guard. Lucky for them, they acquired Monte Morris this offseason to take over the point guard responsibilities. Booker can comfortably return to his natural position for the 2024-25 campaign.

There are some positives in being the team's sixth man. Beal will have the chance to take over the offensive game plan for the second unit and increase his production. The way I see it, the Missouri native will still get his 30 minutes of action each night. The only difference with this is that he won't be starting games.

It may be a big ask for a former All-Star to come off the bench. However, iconic teams have seen success with this style of lineup rotation. For the Suns to be real contenders, Beal must humble down and take over the lead bench role next season.