Wizards Survive Trade Rumors and Get Their Man. Welcome to DC Bradley Beal!

Uncross your fingers and let go of your breath, folks. The hoopla and melodrama surrounding the Washington Wizards and their number 3 pick is FINALLY over.

And with that said I give you a warm welcome to DC, Bradley Beal! You’ve relieved timeless weeks of anxiety and anticipation amongst the Wizards faithful.

Oh, and happy 19^th birthday!

Even up until a minute before the relentlessly booed NBA commissioner, David Stern, trotted up to the podium to announce the Bobcats selection of Michael Kidd-Gilcrest, there was heavy chatter about a trade swap between Charlotte and Cleveland. The trade would have allowed the Cavs to leapfrog the Wizards and most likely select Beal with the second pick. The deal was apparently set in stone and on the table ready for Charlotte’s acceptance, but eventually refuted.

That ultimately paved the way for Beal to the Wizards.

Here are some quick notes about the kid:

• He is the first Gator to be selected in the lottery since 2007, when Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah were all taken in the top 10 following their title season at Florida.
• Beal averaged 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season with Florida
• Beal is considered one of the premiere shooters/scorers in this year’s draft, an area that the Wizards sorely lacked in.
• Beal is the third consecutive SEC freshman selected in the top 3.

With the frontcourt pretty much set, the Wizards are hopeful the acquisition of Beal will solidify their backcourt alongside John Wall.

Is it October yet??