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Washington Wizards: The Washington Wizards are a Legitimate Threat in the East

By Alishah Pearine

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards chat on the court during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards chat on the court during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on March 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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)
WASHINGTON, DC –  MAY 12: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. 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) /

With the recent additions to the Washington Wizards’ bench, and the growth of Wall and Beal, the Wizards are a legitimate threat to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

With the offseason acquisitions of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, many have already penciled in a Celtics v. Cavaliers rematch for the Eastern Conference Finals. While the star power on these teams may be undisputable, one team that appears to be a formidable opponent —for either team—the Washington Wizards.

Although they didn’t make major moves like the teams mentioned above; their off-season signings of Tim Fraizer and Jodie Meeks, coupled in with the growth of Otto Porter, Jr. and the contributions of crucial players—such as Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris—make the Wizards a legitimate threat to make it to the NBA Finals.

Wizards added depth to their second-unit

A major issue with the Wizards last year, was their lack of depth. Their combination of veterans with a younger more inexperienced core didn’t bode well for the squad, when Wall or Beal weren’t on the floor.

This heavy dependence on both players resulted in an emotional and grueling game 7 loss to the Boston.

This season, the Wizards have assembled a much deeper and more versatile bench, with the likes of Frazier, Meeks, Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Ian Mahinmi. These players have proven that they have the skills to play major minutes at their respective position.

The added depth will allow Coach Scott Brooks to create dynamic lineups incorporating Beal and Wall. While also creating opportunities for the House of Guards to rest when necessary.

Season of Growth 

Last year, Wizards’ small forward Otto Porter finally had his breakout season. According to Basketball Reference, Porter averaged 13.4 points per game and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field, and 43 percent from the three.

His ability to guard multiple positions is vital for the Wizards’ defensive schemes. In addition, his sustained growth on both offense and defense is necessary, if the Wizards want to be serious contenders.

X-Factors 

The final two players that can push the Wizards over the top, are Beal and Morris. Health was a major concern for Beal, who had played an average of 65 games. Last year, he played a career high of 77 games, and had the best season of his career.

Now healthy, the former Florida standout makes Washington’s offense extremely deadly. Beal’s uncanny ability to score from nearly anywhere on the floor, not only creates a plethora of opportunities for easy baskets, but it also opens the floor for the rest of the team.

Another crucial piece in the Wizards’ offense is Morris. In his last season with the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 11 points, shooting 39 percent from the field. With the Wizards, he has put up averages of 13 points per game with 6 rebounds, while shooting roughly 7 percent better than he did in Phoenix.

Keef’s hustle, mental toughness and finishing ability, not only make the Wizards a better team, but it also makes them much more intimidating. With Keef temporarily sidelined (hernia surgery) for the start of the regular season, Jason Smith and Mike Scott may take turns starting at the four.

The chances of Washington making it to the NBA Finals, according to current BPI projections are unlikely. But the regular season is an extremely lengthy and unpredictable one. The Wizards have the best backcourt in the East, and continuity still means something. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a different team fighting for a shot at glory.

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