The Wizards’ week started on a bleak note. While hosting the Boston Celtics, the Wizards suffered a 126-107 thrashing that was far less competitive than the 19-point gap indicated. Washington’s central tandem of Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma both struggled to impact the game, posting -29 and -24 PERs respectively. Both head coaches emptied their benches, giving chances to young players to shine. In the spirit of that, it is time to highlight four lowkey Wizards who have impressed so far.
Four Wizards Who Have Impressed So Far
The Central Anchor
Daniel Gafford is the first of two players promoted to the starting lineup for this season. The Wizard’s starting center was the notable absence from Monday’s lineup, sitting out with an ankle issue. The impact was immediate, as Kristaps Porzingis bullied an undersized frontcourt. It illustrated the importance of Gafford to this team for the remainder of the season. Gafford is posting a respectable eight points and eight rebounds across his two games. On the offensive end, he is a competent screener while also offering a vertical lob threat. His profile as a rim-running, explosive center fits Wes Unseld Jr.’s high-octane game plan well.
However, it is on the other side of the ball that Gafford has proved invaluable so far. In the season opener against Indiana, one of the driving forces behind Indiana’s separation midway through the second quarter was that Gafford was forced off with foul trouble. Before that, he was a paint presence that anchored an otherwise shaky defense. In the game against Memphis, Gafford showed greater discipline in the paint, despite banging with one of the league’s up-and-coming big men Jaren Jackson Jr. In that game, Gafford posted a double-double to go along with two blocks. It is no coincidence that Gafford, disciplined performance coincided with Washington’s only win of the season, and the team will be leaning on him to show up for the rest of the season.
Breakout Point Guard
To put it simply, Tyus Jones has been tremendous this season. The second player on this list who will be operating as a starter for the first time in their career, Jones was regarded as an elite backup the last few years. So far, Jones has proven that he was more than ready for the next step. His 13.7 points per night is a career-high. Furthermore, he is doing it on an eFG% of 62.1%. Jones has always been more than a scorer. Members of the coaching staff praise Jones’ basketball IQ and ability to consistently make the proper read. This has manifested in 6.7 assists, weighed against only 1.3 turnovers.
Standing six feet tall and weighing only 196 pounds, Jones has always been a “heart over height” defender. This season with the Wizards has produced much of the same. Jones is posting 1.3 steals per contest and gives consistent effort each play, which is most of what Wes Unseld Jr. and company can ask for. As discussed previously, the Wizards will continue to need Jones’ effort to be staunch at the point of attack, even if he is targeted for much of the season. Jones’ breakout as a starting point guard in the Association seems to be well underway. Another thing to watch will be what his value is at the trade deadline for a contender looking for guard assistance.
The Freshly Signed Forward
Last month, I wrote about Deni Avdija‘s expectations for the season. Through three games, he has lived up to the billing. Operating in a larger role, and perhaps bolstered by his freshly inked contrast, Avdija has looked like the foundational piece the Wizards hope he is. In only 23.3 minutes per night, the forward is averaging 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. These statistics are outstanding for someone averaging under 25 minutes per game. The massive leap that Avidja deserves credit for is his outside shooting. What has long been his biggest question mark looks solid this season. Avdija is shooting 50% from behind the arc, it is on low volume, but hitting these catch-and-shoot looks will work wonders as the Wizards try to space the floor.
Defense has always been Avdija’s strong suit, and he has shown more of the same. This season he regularly accepts the other team’s wing star. The strongest example of this was his impressive night against Desmond Bane. The Wizards defense has looked very inconsistent so far this season, but Avdija remains one of the key pieces each night. Members of the organization mention that Jordan Poole has taken Bilal Coulibaly under his wing. However, Wizards fans will be hoping for Coulibaly to glean his defensive insights from Avdija.
The Sixth Man
All of the players listed have had strong starts to the season. The revelation so far though looks like Corey Kispert. Coming off a strong season where he established himself as a 42% deadeye from behind the line, Kispert seems prepared to take another leap. Kispert leads the Wizard’s second unit with 14 points each game off the bench. A slight uptick from last year coincides with his rise in usage. The coaching staff regularly designs plays to spring him free for open shots, and thus far he has been converting. The highlight of his opening games was the blistering 22 points against Memphis. It is not a stretch to say that Kispert created the separation that won the Wizards their only game so far this season. Moving forward, it will be a priority for the front office to lock up Kispert on a new deal.
Rookie Check In
I only planned on discussing four players in this piece, yet there is another worth mentioning. Bilal Coulibaly will no doubt have impressed Wizards fans so far. The rookie has 7 steals+blocks through 3 games, barring the 7-foot-plus monsters running around in San Antonio and Oklahoma City, Coulibaly has been among the best defensive rookies this season. Fans will note how bigger, more physically mature wings like Jaylen Brown attack Coulibaly this season. Thought the youngest member of the team, the rookie has been one of the Wizards that have impressed this season.
