Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards 2016-2017 NBA Season Preview: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic

By Ben Mehic

Mar 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) yells from the players bench against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Washington Wizards won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) yells from the players bench against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Washington Wizards won 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) adjusts his finger during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Markieff Morris is back for a full year

The difference between having Dudley and Morris on the floor in Washington was night and day.

Dudley, though no fault of his own, was an undersized four defending some of the league’s elite players.

There were times when Dudley was just straight up abused. Asking Dudley to play the four in today’s league is a sound strategy in spurts, but asking him to play that position full-time is a recipe for disaster.

Washington lacked rim protection and rebounding with Dudley on the floor.

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He did an excellent job of spacing the floor and was one of the NBA’s league leaders in 3-point percentage, but Washington gave up a ton of points inside and boards on the glass with him on the floor.

When Morris arrived to D.C. after the trade deadline, the difference was felt instantly.

Morris is exactly what teams look for from their fours nowadays.

He can hit the outside shot, switch on pick-and-rolls, run the floor and defend the paint.

He’s the perfect power forward, especially in Washington’s system.

The Wizards were a top-5 defensive team during the second half of the season. Some of that could be attributed to Washington’s weak schedule, but Morris’ impact shouldn’t be underestimated. He gave the Wizards toughness and interior defense that they lacked all season long.

Morris fits into the core seamlessly.

At 26-years-old, Morris is just entering the prime of his career. Better yet, he’s finally playing with others that will make him better, just like they did during his short time in D.C. last year.

Morris saw his points, rebounds, free throw, field goal and 3-point percentages rise in Washington. After shooting 39.7 percent from the floor in Phoenix last year, he made nearly 47 percent of his shots in Washington.

Next to Marcin Gortat, Morris will be able to focus on playing more away from the basket. As long as he sets good screens and moves to proper spots on the court, he’s going to get plenty of open looks. The Wall effect and a change of scenery could lead to Morris having a breakout season.

Next: 2) A Hungry Wizards Team

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