Although the preseason doesn’t carry too much significance, there have been some positive signs for the Washington Wizards. Most importantly, the performance of their revamped bench.
The Washington Wizards lack of depth was well-documented last season. Throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, production stagnated whenever Wall, Beal, and Co. went to the bench.
A lack of production off the bench was ultimately the Wizards’ downfall. In game 7 against the Celtics, fatigue notably played a factor in John Wall‘s fourth quarter struggles.
The Wizards worked to address the issue this offseason. Via trade and free agency, they acquired Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks, and Mike Scott. Many were skeptical as to just how much these acquisitions would impact the bench’s performance. After three preseason games, it appears that they have had a significant impact.
While Frazier has yet to make his debut, Meeks and Scott have performed well.
The Wizards signed Meeks because of his scoring and shooting ability. He has done an excellent job thus far. Through three games, Meeks has averaged 13.3 points per game, shooting a cool 61.9 percent from the field, and 69.2 percent from the 3-point line.
While his shooting efficiency will undoubtedly fall back down to earth, he could realistically shoot 40 percent from the three, and approach double figures this season.
Meeks may also play a larger role in the Wizards’ rotation. Coach Scott Brooks recently hinted at the possibility of a three-guard lineup, featuring Wall, Beal, and Meeks.
"“We will definitely use that lineup throughout the season. I mean, every team is doing that with three guards, three-point shooters on the floor with Brad and Jodie and then you have John’s ability to make the defense make some tough decisions with his speed.”"
Scott was a fairly low-key signing this offseason. However, he’s expected to take on a much larger role in the absence of Markieff Morris. He possibly could be the favorite to enter the starting lineup, at the power forward position.
The Wizards don’t expect him to be Keef, but if Scott can play sound defense, space the floor, and grab rebounds, he’ll fit in seamlessly. His preseason performance suggests he’s capable of doing just that.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign from preseason play has been the development of Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre has high expectations going into his third season, with many expecting him to make a leap similar to that of Otto Porter. Oubre has all the tools and athletic ability, it’s just a matter of putting those together for a stretch of 82 games. Wizards’ fans have to be excited by what they have seen from Oubre so far.
In the preseason, Oubre has averaged 12.0 points per game and 36.6% from the three. He has looked better at creating shots off the dribble and finishing with the right hand – arguably the two biggest weaknesses in his game. If he can improve his offensive game, Oubre could be in store for a breakout season. He has the confidence from his teammates and coaches, and appears ready to take on a bigger role this season.
The Wizards bench can only go up following last season’s disaster. It may not become an elite group overnight, but the front office has clearly done a good job of re-tooling and bringing in quality players.
Both Meeks and Scott appear to be fitting in well, and a full season of Ian Mahinmi should pay dividends to the rotation as well.
Frazier has yet to showcase his skills due to injury. However, he’s scheduled to make his preseason debut against the Heat on Wednesday. He’s an effective point guard, who would be a significant upgrade over the Brandon Jennings disaster from last season.
Again, you can’t read too much into the preseason. But Wizards fans should be both pleased and encouraged by what they have seen from the reserves so far.
An improved bench may be the key to making the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond.