Wiz of Awes
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 10
Next
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Gameplan for Next Season

While Washington is trying to build a bench to take them to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics are building a roster to win it all. While you’re playing checkers, Boston has been playing chess all along.

The Celtics knew your weaknesses and took advantage of it. You knew theirs as well, but still didn’t prepare for the expected.

First, Gortat has to be the backup center. No ifs-ands-or-buts about it. Please try and get Dwight Howard. The two players are already familiar with each other from their Orlando Magic playing days.

Second, find Wall a true backup point guard. Wall’s playing way too many minutes, and he doesn’t believe in resting/sitting out during the games.

More from Wiz of Awes

That has to change Mr. Wall. I understand it may be a fan’s only chance to see you. Have a one-day free basketball camp, or provide game tickets to children in the underserved community.

Because you’re not a machine, your body needs rest. I know, please not another poem, but please read Don’t Quit, author unknown. “Rest if you must – but don’t you quit.”

Without rest, even if your mind is willing, your body will quit on you.

Third, not a backup, but another starting, small forward to play interchangeably with Porter.

Fourth, don’t shore up the bench, but solidify your bench with players who can also play interchangeably as starters. Because this is what other teams see when they play Washington: we only have to worry about 3-4 players.

So while Washington’s starters are building up a sizable lead, which their bench inevitably lose, you know what’s happening on the other end?

The opponent has a large rotation to choose from, such that they come out guns blazing in the second half. By the middle of the third quarter, the Wizards’ starters are tired because the bench afforded them no respite.

Finally, I’m not even going to emphasize defense. I’m really not. Well, just this one thing – Defend your player the second the ball is inbounded, and before he reaches the timeline.

I still believe in you Washington Wizards. Will you start believing in yourself?

Next: John Wall Should Have Made All-NBA Second Team

Look how far you have come in spite of. Now go out Ernie and build the best starting lineup and best bench on both sides of the Mississippi. Return stronger, faster and wiser.

And if you do all the above, we will see you at the Finals. Yes, that one.

Home/Wizards News