Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Kevin Durant to Washington, Martell Webster’s Future, and More
By Ben Mehic
We’re back with another Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday.
Today’s questions come from Twitter and Reddit.
@WizOfAwes What's the deal with Webster? He's in for very few minutes and looks totally out of sorts. Do you think he is done?
— @cdachi (@cdachi) January 18, 2015
Chris, like the Washington Wizards, I’m still trying to figure out if Martell Webster has a future in D.C.
Webster has struggled since returning from his third back surgery and it’s rare for players to return to regular form after another huge setback. As much as I love his personality and what he brings to the locker room, I think the Wizards should look to trade Webster (check out the link for more on why).
Otto Porter, at this point, is a better basketball player. He’s the third overall pick and the Wizards have to find out if he can play. If Webster is playing over Porter, then what’s the point?
I’m hoping Webster could begin to contribute soon, because when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best three point marksmen the NBA has.
@WizOfAwes Many analysts predicted a breakout year for Beal this year. Is it me or has he not even had the impact he did last year?
— @cdachi (@cdachi) January 18, 2015
Bradley Beal is coming off a broken wrist, and it’s unfair not to think that hasn’t contributed to his early struggles. Although he hasn’t been the 20 point per game scorer we thought he’d be, he’s still just 21 years old. But, he’s become one of the best three point shooters in the NBA.
I do believe he’s had just as much impact as he did last season, though. His defense has clearly improved and he’s done a better job of creating shots for himself.
We saw him light the Brooklyn Nets up with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, and we should see more of those performances from Beal going forward.
With Kevin Durant rumoured to maybe be coming in 2016, what will the Washington Wizards have to do to be able to incorporate him? -via TFDBLoL
The Washington Wizards don’t have to do anything to incorporate him. Just get him in D.C.
When you’re a top 3-5 basketball player in the world, it’ll be easy for the team to adjust. Paul Pierce will likely be relaxing at home if/when Kevin Durant comes to Washington, leaving the open spot for Durant.
John Wall is a distributor and Kevin Durant won’t have any problems getting up as many shots as he’d like in Washington. I mean, it’s a perfect fit for Durant.
Are the Washington Wizards looking like they could make a trade at the deadline? And if they do, who/what kind of player would it be for? -via _masterofdisaster
It’s been a long time since the Wizards haven’t made a trade at the deadline.
Although they’re currently on pace to win 50+ games and are sitting comfortably in the second spot, the Washington Wizards aren’t a perfect ball club.
They could use another player that can create his own shot. I wrote about five players they could target here.
For obvious reasons (#KD2DC), the Wizards won’t want to take salary beyond the 2016 season. If they do make a trade, it will likely be for a low-salary combo-guard or a rim protector.
While the Wizards are well balanced, they could use help on the bench.
What are the best teams the various Washington Wizards players have been on? I’d love to see how they stack up. Pierce in the big three years? Blair on the Mavs? Gooden with LeBron? -via EthelredTheUnsteady
I’d take the Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett team over any team you mentioned.
The LeBron James team that Drew Gooden played for was exactly that – the LeBron James team. The Cleveland Cavaliers were way too dependent on LeBron, and they went on to get swept in the NBA Finals.
The Boston Celtics team, however, is one of the most well balanced team we saw in years. With Rajon Rondo running the show, the Celtics were the best defensive teams in the league, but also moved the ball extremely well. Pierce, Garnett, Allen…pick your poison.
The 2008 Celtics team that went on to win the NBA Championship was also full of veterans. I’d have to pick that team.
Oh, and don’t forget, Marcin Gortat played for the Orlando Magic team that lost in the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. That team was great as well.
How much longer does Pierce have in his career, and is it a possibility he ends his career with Washington? Or is a Boston reunion possible? -via madlate
Well, Paul Pierce can technically leave the Washington Wizards after this season. He has a player option for the second year on his contract.
If he does leave Washington, I don’t think he’ll return to the Boston Celtics as a player.
Boston is still in the process of rebuilding their team and Pierce wants to compete for a championship. I could, however, see Pierce leaving Washington for a front office role in Boston.
What is our future? We have an aging Pierce, Miller, and Nené (who has a serious plantar fasciitis). This year and next year are our windows of opportunity. -via Gr8WallofChinatown
#KD2DC is the best answer I could give you.
But, seriously, the Washington Wizards are clearly setting up to make a real push to land Kevin Durant in 2016, which is when all those players you listed will be gone.
John Wall and Bradley Beal will still be in Washington, and will likely both become All-Stars by then. As long as those two are around, I think the Wizards will be fine.
It’s been a long time since free agents wanted to play in Washington, but I think we’ve finally reached that point.
To have your question featured on next weeks Mailbag Monday, tweet us @WizofAwes.