Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal will miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured hip that requires surgery. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star sustained the injury during a loss to the Phoenix Suns on November 8. Beal's agent confirmed the decision for season-ending surgery after consultations with medical experts.
Bradley Beal's first season with the Clippers has ended prematurely after just six games. The guard, who signed a two-year, $10.98 million deal with a player option in the offseason following a buyout from the Phoenix Suns, averaged 8.2 points on 37.5% shooting from the floor. He was on a minutes restriction due to recovery from a knee scope in May and had also missed games for lower back soreness and a left knee injury.
The injury occurred in the Clippers' 114-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns on November 8. Beal was initially listed as out for the subsequent game against the Atlanta Hawks with hip soreness, but further imaging revealed a fracture. Clippers coach Ty Lue expressed concern about the injury at the time.
Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN: "We met with numerous doctors and specialists around the country in collaboration with the entire Clippers medical staff over the last few days, and came to the decision unanimously that the surgery will allow Brad to have a full and complete recovery."
Beal is expected to make a full recovery in six to nine months. This marks another setback in his career, as the 13-year veteran has played in 70 or more games only four times and hasn't reached 60 games in a season since 2020-21 with the Washington Wizards. In two seasons with Phoenix, he averaged 17.6 points but appeared in no more than 53 games each year due to injuries.
The Clippers, who hoped Beal would replace Norman Powell's production after trading Powell to the Miami Heat in a deal acquiring John Collins from the Utah Jazz, now face challenges. Starting 2-8, they are also without Kawhi Leonard, who has an ankle sprain from a November 3 loss to the Miami Heat. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Leonard's absence is not considered significant. The team's offense ranks 20th and defense 26th in the league.
With Beal sidelined, Bogdan Bogdanovic may see an increased role, though he has averaged 6.3 points on 28% shooting in four games this season. The Clippers were viewed as a Western Conference dark horse, but injuries continue to hinder their progress.