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Washington Wizards: The Team Will Return Next Season – Faster, Stronger and to the Eastern Conference Finals

By Jen Julie Smith

Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards players and staff exceeded everyone’s expectations, except their own. Early on they believed that they could and should be in the Eastern Conference Finals. In order for the Wizards not to suffer another early exit, and begin an early vacation next season, here are few thoughts on what can be done. As an additional bonus, I’m going to reveal the secret of the Celtics’ success and provide Washington a winning formula.

It’s not going to be pretty, but who said blood, sweat and tears ever was. I can make it pretty, and say the things you want to hear, or I can tell the ugly truth.

The truth gives the Wizards another shot at the crown.

Which way do you want it? Let’s get down to brass tacks.

John Wall Needs Backup

But to reach the ECF, a few things needed to happen. John Wall, for example, was in the top minutes played throughout the entire season. The Wizards needed a true, back-up point guard to not only provide Wall much-needed rest, but to also lead the second unit.

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For example, there was Rajon Rondo, who fell out of favor with Bulls Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, and was sitting on the bench collecting DNP-CDs (Do Not Play – Coaches Decision).

I wrote in early January, no disrespect at all to Rondo, a 2008 NBA Champion, that the Wizards should acquire the point guard from Chicago.

Two reasons – first, he’s a true point guard, unlike Brandon Jennings who showed promise at one point. Secondly, he has veteran leadership, which the bench sorely needed.

I couldn’t even bring myself to watch the Bulls/Celtics playoffs this season. I earnestly believe after the Rondo led Bulls, won the first 2 games in Boston, had he not been injured, that’s who the Wizards would be meeting in the semifinals.

I never gave up hope on Rondo, because I knew that the heart of a champion still beat loudly  inside.

Wall has not only been playing way too many minutes, he played the entire season, only resting on the rare occasion.

Without a backup before going into the playoffs, Wall did not have fresh legs. And as I’ve always said, a rested John Wall is an even faster John Wall.

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