By Patrick Hayes

Considering the Washington Wizards just used the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft on shooting guard Bradley Beal, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Beal will start at the position for the Wizards this season. But Ben Standig of Comcast Sports Net makes the case that, at least initially, Detroit native Jordan Crawford should be the starter:

With his high confidence and volume shooting ways, Crawford’s ultimate NBA role should be that of an instant-offense sixth-man. At some point this season perhaps Wizards coach Randy Wittman makes it so. Just not on October 30, opening night at Cleveland, or the immediate games afterward.

Crawford and Wall have chemistry; let Beal’s develop naturally, over time. If nothing else, let the first rounder earn his spot, let him beat out the incumbent Crawford.

The problem with that scenario, though, is that Beal was drafted primarily because the Wizards need an elite perimeter shooter. Crawford looked like he would be coming out of college — he shot 38 percent from three in two college seasons. But in his two NBA seasons, he’s shooting just 28 percent from three. Wall could really benefit by having a floor spacer next to him and I suspect that will be Beal as long as he shows an ability to knock down threes in training camp and preseason. Check out Mike Prada’s take at Bullets Forever.