Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Questioning The Future Of The Wizards

Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Questioning The Future

Let’s get right into it.

Today’s questions come from Twitter and Reddit.

Given how vague the team’s goals have been, it’s tough to predict whether or not Ernie Grunfeld and Randy Wittman will be with the team long-term.

The question should be: Are Randy Wittman and Ernie Grunfeld the right guys for the job, in terms of long-term success? If the answer is “no”, and it probably is, then the Washington Wizards might have to consider making a few changes before 2016.

It’s difficult though, because if the Wizards continue to improve and the John Wall/Bradley Beal combination helps them contend soon, then it wouldn’t make sense to make any major changes. Washington could become a potential destination for Kevin Durant in the not so distant future, and consistency might help them land a superstar. Believe it or not, the players actually enjoy playing under Wittman, according to a few people I’ve spoken to.

Is Wittman a replaceable coach? Sure. Has Grunfeld made enough mistakes to warrant losing his job? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean the Washington Wizards are going to make changes. For the fan’s sake, let’s just hope the team continues to improve.

As for potential replacements, well, it depends what kind of coach you’d like to bring in. I’ll give you two names I’ve always liked: Mike D’Antoni and Alvin Gentry. I’ll probably get killed for the former, but just imagine Wall and Beal in D’Antoni’s system. Yikes.

I’m probably in the minority, but I don’t think Ramon Sessions has been THAT bad. Has he shot the ball very poorly? Sure. But I think, for the most part, he’s done what he’s been asked to do.

Unlike Andre Miller, who’s clearly a better player, Sessions pushes the ball up the court and is capable of playing alongside Wall in spurts. Washington is best when they’re running, and unfortunately Miller is incapable to really make things happen in transition anymore.

Sessions has also done a decent job at getting to the free throw line, which is an area the Washington Wizards have been awful at. Oh, and he’s getting paid about half the money Miller will make this season. And he’s about 30 years younger.

I honestly never understood their interest in Will Bynum.

The Washington Wizards don’t need another backup guard at this point. As long as John Wall stays healthy *knock on wood*, Sessions and Garrett Temple are capable of playing a small role off the bench. But to answer your question, I don’t think it would make much of a difference.

Both Bynum and Sessions aren’t consistent outside shooters, so Washington’s need for shooting wouldn’t get solved. Both aren’t great on the defensive end of the floor and have similar skill-sets offensively. Instead of settling for Bynum, the Wizards should’ve traded for another shooting guard or small forward before the deadline.

Players like Chris Douglas-Roberts and James Anderson are still available in free agency, so why not go after another forward? Relying on Martell Webster or Rasual Butler for contribution in the playoffs might be disastrous.

What (if anything) can Toure’ Murry add to the Wizards’ bench?- via Boymankid

Murry is basically Garrett Temple, but with a way cooler name.

Randy Wittman was apparently comfortable with bringing Murry in for a 10-day contract because he gives the Washington Wizards what they’re missing with Temple out. Murry is a good defender, athletic and is relentless when attacking the basket. His jump shot, though, isn’t great.

If Murry improves his outside shooting, he’ll likely find a home in the NBA. When Temple returns, I don’t think Murry will keep the 15th roster spot.

Will Nené be able to make it through another year as a starter?- via Gr8WallofChinatown

Nene considered retirement not too long ago and he’s not getting any younger. This is why I think the Washington Wizards are going to keep Kevin Seraphin.

Don’t panic yet, though. Nene’s game aged well and it’s just a matter of him staying healthy. If he could play around 50 games per season and contribute in the playoffs, then I think the Washington Wizards are going to be OK. As for the future, well, they don’t have many options.

Washington missed out on the Jan Vesely pick and they failed to draft a big man in 2013, opting to select Otto Porter over Nerlens Noel. Now they’ll probably end up looking for a free agent or trade for another solid big, but at this point, I think they’re more likely to keep Seraphin.

For all the hate he’s received, Seraphin is a legitimate threat in the post. He possesses an almost-automatic hook shot and big men inevitably get overpaid. I’m interested to see what Seraphin does this summer, especially since he’s an unrestricted free agent.

Stay healthy, Nene. The Wizards need you.

What do you think is the longer term plan for the wizards? Besides the KD dreams, how do you believe this team will compete when Wall and Beal enter their primes in 4 years or so?- via zedz123

The Washington Wizards, like plenty of other teams, believe they have a chance to land Kevin Durant in 2016. When there’s a chance, you have to plan for it.

John Wall and Bradley Beal are going to be a part of Washington’s future no matter what. Wall has become a true superstar and Beal has to continue improving. If Beal becomes the player we think he could becoming, meaning an All-Star shooting guard, then the Wizards will be in good shape.

Whenever you have a duo like Wall and Beal, they will attract free agents. Besides Kevin Durant, you will have the likes of Al Horford, Danilo Gallinari and plenty of other solid players enter the market.

DeMarcus Cousins also continues to be a name that comes up in these sort of discussions. We know that George Karl is going to remain in Sacramento, but Cousins will remain a question mark. We know that he’s very close with John Wall, and if he demands a trade, D.C. might become a destination.

For right now, let’s just be glad we have two young rising stars in Wall and Beal.

Next: The Washington Wizards Are Finally Winning Again (Player Grades)