Beal pessimistic about All-Star chances despite lead in scoring originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Last year, when the All-Star rosters were announced without Bradley Beal's name included, Beal said he was "pissed off" and felt "disrespected" by what he and many felt was a snub. He set an NBA record for the highest scoring average (29.1 ppg) at the All-Star break for a player not picked to play in the All-Star game.
After that experience, Beal isn't taking anything for granted this time around. All-Star fan voting begins on Thursday and he doesn't sound very optimistic about his chances despite currently leading the NBA in scoring with 35.4 points per game.
"I don't know. I was the leading scorer for a point last year, too, I think up until the All-Star break. We seen what happened then. So, I'm definitely not getting my hopes up this year," he said.
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Beal is not just leading the NBA in scoring this season, he's averaging 4.9 more points than the next guy, Kevin Durant. He's doing so while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three. And he's also averaging 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals.
To make it in as a starter, Beal needs to get enough votes from fans, the media and other players. If he doesn't get a starting spot, he could make it as a reserve, which are voted on by coaches.
What could work against him once again, however, is the Wizards' record, as they are off to a disappointing start. At 3-11, they have the worst win percentage in the NBA.
Will Beal's numbers be enough this time around? Given what happened last year, it's anyone's guess.
