One up, one down. The Wizards looked good at times, in spots, but not often in a 20-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks (102-82) in their Las Vegas Summer League debut. For your perusal: the box score via NBA.com.

M.V.P.

The Washington Wizards faithful got what they came to see. No; not the Wiz getting throttled by the Hawks in Washington’s first Summer League contest — but Bradley Beal. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft dropped 22 points on 6-for-14 shooting (1-for-3 from 3-point range) in his first televised game as a pro. (His first field goal attempt, a transition layup, was blocked.) When he wasn’t finding space off ball screens, Beal was slashing into the paint for points and earning trips to the free throw line, where he missed just one of his 10 attempts. It’s easy to talk about the rookie’s versatile skillset at the two guard (handles and scoring instincts), but he really impressed on the defensive end of the floor. Beal is long, he’s quick, he’s disciplined, and he’s tough. And the best part about it: Bradley Beal is a Wizard.

Also, NBA insider David Thorpe tweeted that Beal could, in fact, be the next James Harden and should be a great fit with John Wall.

“Beal has a game, and a plan,” added Thorpe. “He’s going to end up being solid in any environment. With the potential to be great.”

—John Converse Townsend (@JohnCTownsend)

L.V.P.

Shelvin Mack and rookie Tomas Satoransky had major ball handling issues, but the struggles of Chris Singleton really stood out. Reports out of mini-camp were that Singleton had been impressive so it was disheartening to see his rocky play. He turned the ball over repeatedly, created few offensive opportunities and appeared to be a step slow on defense. That said, Singleton did have 20 points (7-for-13) on the afternoon — but most of those came in garbage time. Tomorrow is another day and a clean slate for Chris.

—Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis)

X-Factor

The hard work Jan Vesely has put in to improve his outside shot was on display early; he nailed three long 2-point jumpers. I understand the team wants to win games in Las Vegas and not suffer blow out losses, but this is Summer League and records are less important than player development. Watching Jan becoming an confident offensive threat will be a main, positive takeaway from today. [Ed. note: Jan Vesely scored 11 points on nine shots, but could have scored a few more if he hadn't forgotten how to dunk the basketball ... or fouled out of the game with 10 — yes, 10! — fouls.]

—Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis)

That Was … Typical Summer League Disarray

Some of the Wiz kids show flashes we haven’t seen before, but they certainly didn’t prepared to act as a team. That’s OK — first game jitters. But a slow developing play on offense here, an over-hedge and slow recovery there and, overall, turnover sloppiness contributed to the loss. Oh, and don’t forget the rebounds. Sam Cassell said the Wizards got “manhandled” on the glass; and even though the margin was only 30-27 Hawks, Washington clearly lacked inside presence (skinny Shavlik Randolph started a center and gave way to the decidedly un-skinny — and slow-looking — Garret Siler to start the second half). It’s hard to scramble cohesive offense amongst mostly strangers in four days of mini-camp, but still, for progress, the team will count on point guard Cassell settling down his playmakers Shelvin Mack, Tomas Satoransky (and Earl Calloway) into more consistent offense. Oh, and much better defense.

—Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It)