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Washington Wizards: A Season of Change

By Jen Julie Smith

Washington Wizards John Wall Bradley Beal (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards John Wall Bradley Beal (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrate the 106-103 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2017 in New York City. 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 (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrate the 106-103 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 6, 2017 in New York City. 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 (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

As the Washington Wizards embark upon the 2017-18 season, it will be a season of change for the Wizards. With their eyes firmly set on the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Washington Wizards finished last year with a 49-33 record. The front office did a great job of retaining their core, which was one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. They also added a few key pieces to shore up their bench.

The Wizards now have a very good chance to finish what they started. The starting lineup has remained intact. Coach Scott Brooks now has a full season in Washington under his belt.

They have the tools to build upon last season’s success. And an opportunity to position themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Best Backcourt in the East

Bradley Beal proclaimed last season, that the Wizards had the best backcourt in the NBA. Basketball minds may differ with that assessment.

Nonetheless, there’s a strong case to be made, that they’re the best tandem in the East, for the following two reasons.

First, Beal averaged 23.1 points and 3.5 assists per game last season, having the best season of his career. There were times when he had ice in his veins, knocking down three-pointers with authority.

While his backcourt mate, John Wall averaged 23.1 points, 10.7 assists and 2 assists per game. Wall’s last season’s accolades included a fourth consecutive trip to the All-Star Game, and being named to an All-NBA Team, for the first time in his career.

Thus, cementing himself not only as an elite point guard, but one of the best two-way guards in the league.

During the Wizards’ training camp, Wall told Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

"“I feel like I am the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. Maybe people didn’t get to see me on national TV as much last year, but they will this year.”"

Wall’s confidence is one of the Wizard’s best assets. After an auspicious 2-8 start last season, Washington went into every game believing that they could beat any team.

No longer were other teams coming into Capital One Arena (formerly Verizon Center), seeking an easy road win. The House of Guards stood tall last season.

Secondly, there was no changing of the guards. While the Boston Celtics traded away Isaiah Thomas, as part of a package deal to Cleveland, in exchange for Kyrie Irving.

Therefore, the top two teams in their conference last season, the Cavaliers and the Celtics, are both starting this season, with a new backcourt. Whereas, the Wizards’ backcourt soldiers on.

Whatever on or off-court issues of chemistry, that existed between the House of the Guards, are a thing of the past. The duo soon realized, that they needed each other, in order for the Wizards to rise to the top.

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