Washington Wizards: Jason Smith’s Time to Shine in 2017-18

BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2016 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards are starting the season once again without a true sixth man. Jason Smith proved last season that he’s ready to shine.

The Washington Wizards have just come off a very successful season. And because they retained their core, they have a chance in 2017-18 to outdo last season. But lost in all the talk this past summer, of max and supermax contracts, was a player who put in maximum effort each and every time he stepped onto the court – Jason Smith.

Is she going to bring up the third quarter of elimination Game 7 again? Yes, I am. It was clear to anyone watching that game, that John Wall had lost his legs by the third. Therefore, both Smith and Kelly Oubre Jr. should’ve been brought in.

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Everyone wants to cite to the fact, that the Boston Celtics’ bench outscored the Wizards’ second unit 43-5. That’s true. But the main reason for such a large deficit, was that the Wizards’ bench barely saw any playing time.

No one is arguing that the bench is a substitute for Wall, but it’s there to give Wall rest. Just like Boston’s bench provided Isaiah Thomas rest, so he can come out and be King of the Fourth.

If Wall had been afforded a couple of minutes rest in the third, then he could’ve went turbo mode in the fourth. And I’m going to keep bringing it up until the Wizards properly use their second unit. Because there’ s no substitute like fresh legs.

Smith should get more minutes

Smith should see more playing time in both the regular and postseason, because if he’s utilized properly he could become a very good sixth man. The second he’s inserted into the rotation, it doesn’t matter if it’s early in the game or the waning minutes, he’s a lightning rod.

He puts forth all his energy, as if every game during the regular season is an elimination game. He comes out guns blazing. So even if Smith is up against an All-Star for a few minutes, he’s a pesky defender and can do some damage, in the limited time he’s on the floor.

Returning to Boston, during the playoffs, the Celtics knew that Markeiff Morris is Washington’s most physical player. And since Boston’s entire playbook is based upon their physical style of play, they took Keef out of the equation. Since Keef was the Wizards’ key, to unlock a win on the road against the Celtics.

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Unfortunately, Washington hasn’t figured out how to beat the Celtics on the road. And it would help tremendously, if other Wizards’ players also learned to play physical. Because Nene isn’t walking through that door.

And it’s no accident that Boston wanted a clone of Keef, when they traded their best defender Avery Bradley for Marcus Morris. But I trust that Keef will remember, that once he steps between those lines he only sees green.

Although the first two games were in Boston, Smith was very productive when he saw playing time. He put up five points in ten minutes during their first meeting. And that game should’ve been in the Win column, had Al Horford not intentionally planted his foot underneath Keef’s, taking Keef out of the game.

Nonetheless, the following game Smith scored 10 points in 16 minutes. Therefore, against Boston, when Smith saw quality playing time he put in quality minutes.

Fast forward to Game 7, and Smith only saw 3 minutes of floor action. He should’ve received more time to provide much-needed defense, and also much-needed rest for Wall.