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Washington Wizards: 10 Bold Predictions For The 2015-2016 NBA Season

By Fimihan Oshin

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With the start of the season right around the corner, the Washington Wizards are looking to continue where they left off last year.

After another disappointing second round exit last season, the Wizards are looking to revamp their identity this year. Coach Randy Wittman implemented playing small-ball which makes the game more fast-paced for the team and acquired players during free agency that can help the new offense.

With these new things to be excited about, here are 10 bold predictions for the Washington Wizards:

1) John Wall Will Make First Team All-NBA And Defense

John Wall is entering his sixth season in the league. Already having two All-Star appearances, All-Defense second team, and a Slam Dunk trophy under his belt, Wall wants to take the next step this season.

Already a great distributor of the ball and standout defender, Wall will have the chance to take finally thrive in a system that caters to his abilities. He’s going to remain the focal point of the offense and he’ll continue to anchor the team’s perimeter defense too.

With more wins, people will inevitably start to give more recognition where it’s due. Wall has the chance to do something special.

2) Marcin Gortat And Bradley Beal Will Be All-Stars

Most pundits believe that Beal will have a breakout season this year, which could help him enter the Most Improved Player discussion. With that said, he’s going to make the All-Star team for the first time in his career. He knows what it takes, now it’s just a matter of doing it consistently.

Gortat nearly made it last season, but Carmelo Anthony got the slight edge over the Polish Gazelle. Gortat started and played every game for this team and led them in field goal percentage, rebounds and blocks. Under this new offense, Gortat and Beal will head to Toronto with Wall during All-Star break.

3) Otto Porter Will Have A Breakout Season

Porter really caught our eyes last season with his great play in the playoffs by averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds in 10 games. He is taking over the small-forward spot this season, which shouldn’t be a huge challenge for him. His versatile ability will be key for the Washington Wizards’ success.

4) Kris Humphries And Jared Dudley Will Have Multiple Starts At Power-Forward

The Washington Wizards will have tough time finding the best player for the 4 spot.

Humphries has looked good at the four this preseason, but there are many other options including Jared Dudley.

Dudley, who was acquired from the Milwaukee this offseason, could end up starting at the position depending on the match ups. Dudley was supposed to miss a month of action, but recovered early and will provide competition for that starting spot.

5) DeJuan Blair Will Have A Bigger Role

Averaging career-lows in virtually every statistical category, DeJuan Blair had the worst season of his career with the Washington Wizards last year.

The Wizards had too many big men and Blair appeared to be out of shape. This off-season, Blair lost a significant amount of weight and has actually contributed in preseason.

With Kevin Seraphin gone, an opportunity for Blair will eventually open up. Nene isn’t the most reliable in terms of health, so that factor will play a part too.

6) Washington Will Make The Conf. Finals; Finish Top-3 In East

Once again, the Eastern Conference looks to be wide open. Most thought the Cleveland Cavaliers would dominate the conference, but the Atlanta Hawks finished first last year.

The Wizards have the deepest roster they’ve had in years and will compete against the best teams in the league. If they can remain healthy, they should be able to finish top-3 in the East with a trip to the Conference Finals.

7) Nene Will Be Traded Before The Trade Deadline

This one might hurt some Washington Wizards fans, but, our beloved Nene might be for another team this season.

Nene had an on-off campaign last season, especially in the postseason; including the ‘infamous” Game 5 where he was a rebound away from taking the win from Atlanta.

He’s in his last year of his contract and Wittman decided to put Nene as the backup center due to the fact he doesn’t fit in the new offense. The front office will field some calls about the Brazilian big man and don’t be surprised if he’s dealt.

8) Washington Will Acquire Another Stretch Four

Refering back to no.4; what if Humphries and Dudley have troubles finding their mark on the team? The Washington Wizards will make moves to find a good replacement at the four spot. Players like Ryan Anderson and Terrence Jones could become available.

9) Washington Will Finish First In The Division

The Southeast Division appears to be a three-team race.

The Washington Wizards will outlast the improved Miami Heat and the first seed Atlanta Hawks to win their first crown since being in the Atlantic Division in the 1978-1979 NBA season. (P.S. they went to the Finals that year)

10) John Wall Will Become MVP Candidate

With a new offense in place, John Wall finally has the weapons necessary to become a legitimate MVP contender. The fast-paced system will allow Wall to thrive in transition and his already-impressive assist totals will rise. If the Washington Wizards emerge as a championship contender, then everything will be in place for Wall to become an MVP contender as well.

Next: Wizards Will Succeed With Or Without Durant

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