Bradley Beal will be one of the most important players for the Phoenix Suns in 2023-24. He is expected to give Devin Booker and Kevin Durant an extra player to build around for a championship contender.
Beal is one of the best players in the NBA. The three-time All-Star averaged a career-best 31.3 points per game two seasons ago. He just turned 30 years old and can score effectively at all three levels.
The Suns posted a Q&A video with Beal on their Twitter account. Here is why the newest member of the Suns goes by the nickname, “Big Panda.”
Why is he called Big Panda? 🐼
Hidden talents? ✍️
Pregame rituals? 🏀
Get to know @RealDealBeal23 right here! pic.twitter.com/MIXqPAYp95— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 3, 2023
“It has a significant meaning,” Beal said. “Panda is a silent assassin, so you don't want to mess with them. And two, they eat a lot. And I eat a lot.”
Beal is expected to be an assassin on the court for the Suns. He will join a team that was two games away from defeating the NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, in a series. Phoenix may very well have won that series if Chris Paul did not suffer a groin injury and Devin Booker did not injure his foot in Game 5.