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All-Time Bullets and Wizards vs. the 2016-2017 Warriors? Come on!!!! (Guard Edition)

By Osman Baig

Feb 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 123 – 108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 123 – 108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

How do I see them all fitting in together? 

As it stands now, my primary combinations on the floor would be John Wall and Gilbert Arenas starting, with Rod Strickland and Bradley Beal being the primary subs.

Why John and Gilbert? I absolutely am not taking Gilbert Arenas out of the starting lineup in a high profile matchup where he would get an opportunity to go at Stephen Curry. Gil’s lead role in the half court offense would allow John Wall to focus on two things: playing high energy defense versus Stephen Curry and pushing the ball at every opportunity.  Once they get into the half court, Gil can take it from here.

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The thought process is similar in pairing Rod Strickland and Bradley Beal. Rod’s ability to penetrate in the half-court will be enhanced playing alongside a floor spacer like Bradley Beal. If either of the above stated combinations doesn’t work, we can default to familiarity by pairing John Wall with Bradley Beal, a pair that lead Washington with a 6.1 Net Rating in the 2016-2017 season.

This depth chart provides two point guards capable of directing a pass first game, a flat out scorer (Gilbert Arenas), a lights out shooter in Bradley Beal, and two deeper reserves with distinct strengths.

Minutes would be limited so my expectation would be that the effort level defensively would be high and the pace would be pushed.

Next: Wizards: John Wall's Endorsements Start to Roll In

If, for example, John Wall seemed to show signs of fatigue or settle for errant long-jump shots, he would immediately be replaced by Strickland at point guard OR even Gilbert Arenas.

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