The 2013 – 2014 campaign was a very successful one for the Washington Wizards. In fact, this was the first time since the 2007 – 2008 season that the Wizards made it to the postseason and the first time since 2004 – 2005 they reached the Conference Semifinals. Now, the Wizards are looking to firstly retain their most valuable assets and then to try and improve their chances to do better next season. So, can Washington really do better next season? And if yes, how far can they go?
As it was reported, the Wizards agreed on a contract extension with Marcin Gortat, who was one of the reasons the team did so well last season. The Wizards had made it clear that re-signing Gortat was their No.1 priority this offseason and although the 30 year old center drew much interest from several teams around the league, Washington managed to retain him. In addition, the Wizards are also in talks with another significant member of their 2013 – 2014 team, Trevor Ariza. The 29 – year old forward recorded a great season and several teams around the league are eyeing him now that he is an unrestricted free agent. However, the Wizards are considered as the frontrunners in the race for his signing.
If Ariza stays in Washington, the Wizards will most probably have the same starting five like the previous season. We are talking about the same starting five which led the team all the way to the Eastern Conference semis in 2013 – 2014. So, continuation will definitely help the Wizards do better next season.
Apart from those two significant free agent signings, we should expect Washington to perform some more correcting moves. The Wizards had no draft picks so they will have to target some capable free agents to help them with their playoff course. There is not much room for big moves and star signings. However, the Wizards will definitely try to find some quality in affordable prices via free agency.
John Wall and Bradley Beal will be the ones to dominate the Wizards’ offense in the perimeter, but what the Wizards have to do in order to get better next season is to play closer to the rim. They have to utilize Gortat and Nene more.
In regards to their course next season and if it can be better or worse than their previous season, the Wizards currently seem to stand at the same point they were during the first months of the 2013 – 2014 season. Of course, the acquisition of Gortat was what really changed the scenery in Washington and now the Wizards will have the chance to enter the upcoming season going at full speed.
The Washington Wizards are a playoff caliber team but still, they can’t be compared to the best teams of the Eastern Conference, like the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. So, another playoff ticket for the Wizards next season? Yes. Something more? Maybe but maybe not, too.
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Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+ or follow him on Twitter – @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and “liking” our Facebook page.
