{"id":47954,"date":"2022-07-10T08:00:19","date_gmt":"2022-07-10T12:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=47954"},"modified":"2022-07-08T14:59:15","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T18:59:15","slug":"the-washington-wizards-have-a-solid-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2022\/07\/10\/the-washington-wizards-have-a-solid-team\/","title":{"rendered":"The Washington Wizards Have Quietly Built a Solid Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Washington Wizards have been stuck in medicority for quite some time now. The\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Wall<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bealbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bradley Beal<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>duo struck excitement for a while, but afterwards it&#8217;s been downhill. Other experiments such as\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dinwisp01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a><\/strong>, although exciting on paper, didn&#8217;t last long. Beal is still around and signed a major extension, and the Wizards have quietly built a solid team around him.<\/p>\n<h2>The Washington Wizards Have Potential Next Season<\/h2>\n<h3>Beal the Star<\/h3>\n<p>Beal has been one of the top guards in the league for quite some time now. With that being said, he&#8217;s often been mentioned in trade rumors or simply just rumors of him wanting out of the organization. It&#8217;s not hard to see why &#8211; Beal can shoot the lights out on any given night. Besides his pure talent, many thought Beal had a foot out of the door due to the lack of success with the Wizards.<\/p>\n<p>He put said rumors to bed this offseason after signing a five-year, $251 million deal.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">It started with the 2012 draft and we&#8217;re still going strong 10 years later.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RealDealBeal23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@RealDealBeal23<\/a> is committed to the DMV \ud83d\ude4c <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ne587fWorx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/ne587fWorx<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WashWizards\/status\/1544777119103950849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 6, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Beal wasn&#8217;t his normal self last season, dealing with injuries and also the confusing fit with Dinwiddie. The two seasons prior, however, saw Beal average more than 30 points per game. In addition to his scoring prowess, Beal can also create plays for his teammates and showed that with his assist numbers.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s unknown for the time being if Beal can be the best player on a championship-caliber team. He can, however, be the star of a team making the playoffs.<\/p>\n<h3>New Additions for the Washington Wizards<\/h3>\n<p>Knowing that Beal was staying, the organization was keen to surround him with more help. Washington got involved in the trade market, sending\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/caldwke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/smithis01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ish Smith<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to the Denver Nuggets for\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bartowi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Will Barton<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/morrimo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Monte Morris<\/a><\/strong>. Caldwell-Pope was a solid contributor for the team last season, but overall Washington improved with this trade.<\/p>\n<p>Barton averaged close to 15 points, five boards, four assists, and a steal per game last season. He also shot nearly 37 percent from three, a decent number overall. At times, Barton was often the second hand man to reigning two-time MVP\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jokicni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Jokic<\/a><\/strong>. He slots in very nicely alongside Beal.<\/p>\n<p>Morris is also an enticing piece. He averaged close to 13 points, three boards, and four assists per game last season. Morris was widely regarded as one of the top back-up point guards in the league and someone certainly capable of handling a starting role. He may very well get that in Washington.<\/p>\n<p>Another signing came in the form of\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wrighde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Delon Wright<\/a><\/strong>. He&#8217;s a tough defensive guard.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, Washington drafted University of Wisconsin guard\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=davisjo01,davisjo06&amp;search=Johnny+Davis&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnny Davis<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>with the 10th overall pick in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2022\/06\/26\/nba-draft-winners-and-losers\/\" target=\"_self\">2022 NBA Draft<\/a>. His last season at the collegiate level saw him average close to 20 points, eight rebounds, and two assists per game. Davis will be expected to contribute immediately, possibly as a sixth man.<\/p>\n<h3>Boom Potential<\/h3>\n<p>It goes without saying that Wizards big man\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/porzikr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristaps Porzingis<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is the definition of &#8220;boom potential.&#8221; He showed flashes of brilliance with the New York Knicks before major injuries derailed his development. Then, of course, Porzingis headed to the Dallas Mavericks. He also dealt with injuries and his role alongside\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Doncic<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>was never quite defined.<\/p>\n<p>Porzingis played well for the Wizards after he was traded there at the trade deadline last season. In 17 games, all of which being starts, Porzingis averaged about 22 points and nine rebounds per game. He also shot 37 percent from deep. He can contribute in a big way for the Wizards if he can stay healthy. In addition, Porzingis can also focus on building his post game to truly compete with opposing centers.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuzmaky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Kuzma<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>also quietly put together a great campaign in Washington after arriving in the Westbrook\/Los Angeles Lakers trade. Last season he averaged about 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a block per game. Washington as a whole saw constant roster movement and trades. Kuzma was a steady presence in the starting five and almost always performed. This season he&#8217;ll be able to build chemistry with Beal and Porzingis and possibly improve further.<\/p>\n<h3>Plenty of Other Options<\/h3>\n<p>There&#8217;s a number of other contributors on the Wizards&#8217; roster who should only improve as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hachiru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rui Hachimura<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>was a top-10 draft pick just three years ago. Last season he averaged about 11 points and four rebounds per game. He should be an excellent back-up to Kuzma.<\/p>\n<p>Another option is\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kispeco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Corey Kispert<\/a><\/strong>, who the Wizards took 15th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. He averaged about eight points and three boards per game last season. Kispert was a deadly three-point shooter in college for Gonzaga, and he was drafted to be the same in the NBA. He shot 35 percent from deep last season, but could blossom should he improve that.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/avdijde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Deni Avdija<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is another Wizards lottery pick, selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. He&#8217;s had some growing pains in the pros, but has very unique two-way abilities. Avdija is still only 21-years-old and averaged about eight points and five boards per game last season.<\/p>\n<p>Finally,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gaffoda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Gafford<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is a very solid back-up center. Last season he averaged about nine points, six boards, and a block per game. He&#8217;s a force in the inside and very athletic. Washington can also use him alongside Porzingis.<\/p>\n<h3>The Playoffs Aren&#8217;t a Guarantee for the Washington Wizards<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the Wizards have built a solid team this offseason. With that being said, the playoffs are never a sure thing.<\/p>\n<p>For starters, the Eastern Conference is home to some of the NBA&#8217;s top teams in the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat.<\/p>\n<p>While some teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets have seen their own issues this offseason, other teams such as the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks have undergone improvement. Then, of course, there&#8217;s other strong teams from last season such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, and more.<\/p>\n<p>If everything goes right, there&#8217;s enough talent on the Wizards team to make the playoffs. With that being said, the Wizards should always be monitoring ways to further improve, whether it be through a trade or a signing.<\/p>\n<p>A couple of solid (and somewhat affordable) free agents left on the market include\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lambje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Lamb<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/schrode01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dennis Schroder<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/riverau01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Rivers<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/anthoca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carmelo Anthony<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whiteha01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hassan Whiteside<\/a><\/strong>, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Washington Wizards have been stuck in medicority for quite some time now. The\u00a0John Wall\u00a0and\u00a0Bradley Beal\u00a0duo struck excitement for a while, but afterwards it&#8217;s been downhill. Other experiments such as\u00a0Russell Westbrook\u00a0and\u00a0Spencer Dinwiddie, although exciting on paper, didn&#8217;t last long. Beal is still around and signed a major extension, and the Wizards have quietly built a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2248,"featured_media":47956,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,62,18],"tags":[311,4531,138,1128,2157,295],"class_list":["post-47954","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-nba","category-wizards","tag-bradley-beal","tag-johnny-davis","tag-kristaps-porzingis","tag-kyle-kuzma","tag-monte-morris","tag-will-barton"],"modified_by":"Zach Kircher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2248"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47954"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47954\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}