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Washington Wizards: Should Wizards Fans be Excited for Next Season?

By Erik Threet II

Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) shake hands with fans while leaving the floor after their game against the Chicago Bulls at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) shake hands with fans while leaving the floor after their game against the Chicago Bulls at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Why am I not excited?

Despite the obstacles, the Wizards advanced to their third Eastern Conference Semifinals in four years. Their issues are fixable.

Unlike in recent years, the upcoming offseason presents a talent-packed draft class with stars like Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Multiple max-contract players are testing free agency as well, but there’s a problem.

The Wizards don’t have a first-round draft pick, nor cap space to sign a Gordon Hayward or Blake Griffin.

How does a team grow with no money and one, late second-round pick?

Heavy Competition

On top of these problems, all the Wizards’ competition will grow. The Celtics, the number one seed in the East who beat Washington in the Conference Semifinals, own the Brooklyn Nets first-round pick. Since the Nets had the worst record in the NBA, Boston possesses the highest odds (25 percent) of receiving the first pick in the NBA draft.

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The C’s will maintain their core of Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder for at least one more season. They will also have enough cap room to sign a max athlete like Griffin.

Maybe even Hayward, who played under Celtic Head Coach Brad Stevens at Butler (’08-’10).

The defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have these luxuries, but have something better: The best player on the planet. LeBron James is still in his prime, and doesn’t seem to be diminishing anytime soon.

Kevin Love is in his best season as a Cav. Kyrie Irving is a dawg. Tristan Thompson has proven to be worth every penny of his $82 million contract. Cleveland will be amongst the best teams for seasons to come.

Even a lottery team like the Philadelphia 76ers could be a threat to the Wizards’ aspirations next season. Philly has the fourth best odds (11.9 percent) at the first pick, could take the Lakers’ pick if it’s outside the top 3 and will (hopefully for them) have a healthy Ben Simmons.

Add Joel Embiid and the money to sign a top-tier free agent, you have a young team ready to crush dreams.

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