The Washington Wizards are navigating a crucial period of transformation, marked by critical decisions that reflect their long-term vision. New management, under Michael Winger, aims to replicate the team’s success from the ’70s. Historically, the Wizards have been a mediocre franchise with some success. In recent years, mediocrity has become the norm, but Washinton appears ready to start escaping it.
The Washington Wizards Are Finally Trying to Escape Mediocrity
A Rash Coaching Decision?
The decision to part ways with former head coach Wes Unseld Jr. came during a tough season. Despite his efforts, the Wizards finished with the second-lowest wins in the NBA in 2023-24. Basketball president Winger and general manager Will Dawkins, who inherited a challenging situation, moved Unseld to a front-office advisory role. Some viewed this as more symbolic than substantial.
Critics argue that Unseld’s departure just before the trade deadline felt more about optics than strategy. Winger and Dawkins, despite acknowledging the team’s struggles, faced criticism for their quick decisions and perceived lack of roster insight.
Wizards management had valid reasons to doubt Unseld’s leadership. Reports indicated he failed to hold players accountable. Jordan Poole, for example, averaged 30.1 minutes per game despite poor defensive effort.
A New Beginning?
This offseason is the first full one under Winger and Dawkins. The emphasis is on building a solid foundation. Winger cleared initial hurdles by hiring Dawkins and trading Bradley Beal. Now, he’s focused on creating a productive environment and supporting new head coach Brian Keefe.
“We have more time. We have certainly more education. We have more wisdom about who our people are. . . . For the better part of the last calendar year, we’ve been so roster focused, transactionally focused, that despite some of the gains that we made in the environment, we didn’t really get to spend a lot of time on the environment,” Winger said during an end-of-season news conference. “This offseason, we do. I guess that’s one of the rewards for having that time in April and May and June.”
Winger acknowledged the importance of building culture, saying,
“We now have more time and wisdom about our people.”
He emphasized the need to focus on the team’s internal environment, which wasn’t prioritized last year. The team aims to foster accountability, communication, and competitive spirit. Players highlighted these qualities in exit interviews.
“We need a connector. We need somebody who runs to — or isn’t afraid of — conflict, runs to difficult things and is a master communicator and connector, I guess,” forward Corey Kispert said. “The NBA is all about managing 15 egos and making sure everybody feels connected and incorporated for the betterment of the team. It’s a really difficult thing to be able to do that while also building a great, high-quality team and raising the level of our play.”
This summer would be the first Winger and Dawkins have more oversight over players’ offseason programs. Even though many players work with individual coaches over the summer, the plan was for the team to be together more often, be that at the Summer League in Las Vegas or in players’ hometowns.
“A lot of our guys plan to be in D.C. this summer,” Dawkins said.
He also mentioned increased bonding opportunities outside of D.C. The front office is committed to having this iteration of the team be more connected on a personal level. They see it as an important step to long-term success. Obviously, chemistry building is an all-important aspect of team building.
The Wizards ‘Productive’ Offseason
The Wizards drafted Alex Sarr with the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a high-risk, high-reward prospect from the NBL. Sarr has high bust potential, but if he reaches his ceiling, he could be the team’s future big man for years.
Washington also traded Deni Avdija for veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon. This move suggests they aim to play competitive basketball, unlike last season. Brogdon replaces Tyus Jones, who joined the Phoenix Suns, and is widely considered an upgrade at point guard. Aptly styled ‘Mr. President,’ Brogdon will positively influence Poole, his backcourt partner, and the other young players on the Wizards.
Additionally, the Wizards executed a sign-and-trade to acquire veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Pelicans. They signed him to a three-year, $30 million deal. This move adds experience but seems at odds with their rebuilding strategy, given their investment in rookie Sarr.
Reports suggest Valanciunas could soon be on the trade block, with suitors like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. This reflects the Wizards’ new strategy of leveraging veterans as trade assets. Valanciunas could have signed with the Lakers, but now Washington could gain an asset in a trade involving him. A 4d chess move, if there ever was one.
The Last Word
The Washington Wizards are in a significant transition. The decision to replace Unseld and their moves involving players like Valanciunas are part of a broader effort to reshape the team. Winger and Dawkins continue laying the groundwork for the future, focusing on long-term planning over immediate results. While fans have heard similar promises before, the team seems to be making smarter moves this offseason, turning nothing into something.
