Washington Wizards: For the Washington Wizards, This is Their Year
After being one game away last season, is this the year that John Wall and the Washington Wizards make it to the Eastern Conference Finals?
Last season, the Washington Wizards started off 2-8. Under Coach Scott Brooks, the Wizards finally came together and turned their season around, ending the year with a 49-33 record. In a heartbreaking loss, they were just one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
For the 2017-18 season, the Wizards do not want history to repeat itself. Their goal this season is to make their conference finals or bust. Anything short of that, and this season will not be considered a success.
John Wall‘s legs failed him during the third quarter, in their game 7 loss against Boston. Was it because he wasn’t afforded the opportunity to rest during the season, due to an unreliable bench? Whatever the reason, Wall blames no one but himself.
Wall learned from his mistakes, and spent the offseason conditioning his body, so he can last the distance.
The Wizards also added some depth to their point guard position, when they acquired Tim Frazier. They also have Tomas Satoransky, who had a fantastic preseason game against the Knicks.
Both Frazier and Satoransky will allow Wall to get some rest during games. Frazier appears ready to run the second-unit’s offense. While Satoransky may have a little difficulty in faster paced matchups.
Bradley Beal had the best season of his career last year, and he became the player that everyone expected. The sharpshooter should be an All-Star this season.
On the defensive end, fans should see improvement when the two-way guard goes up against players like the Piston’s Avery Bradley, formerly of the Boston Celtics.
Having Markeiff Morris out to start the season, while he’s recovering from hernia surgery, is a huge loss for the Wizards. Morris has a toughness and comes up clutch.
Keef keep it cool. It doesn’t matter what another player says to take you out of your game, don’t do anything in response, that actually takes you out of the game. Your teammates need you on the floor. Sitting on the scorer’s table is for winners. Not for someone who was just fouled out.
It appears that Jason Smith will be coming off the bench to start in Keef’s place. Smith shot lights out during the preaseaon, and hopefully that carries over once the regular season begins. Time will tell if he’s a suitable replacement at the four.
The NBA has entered into a pace and space era, and it may prove a little difficult for Marcin Gortat, who was unable to keep up with Al Horford, during the Boston series. It appears that almost everyone is trying to add the 3-ball to their repertoire. Especially bigs like DeMarcus Cousins, who shot 36 percent beyond the arc last season.
Will Gortat be able to defend the perimeter this season, or will he be left behind? Defending outside the paint will be crucial, if the Wizards expect to have a deep postseason.
Otto Porter, Jr. is one of the best shooters in the league. He just has to be consistent this season. If he has continued confidence in himself, then he will be shooting lights out in every arena they visit.
The Wizards have one of the best starting lineups up the NBA. Collectively, their weakness is ball protection and perimeter defense.
If they’re able to limit the turnovers, and defend the three-point line, then they’re half way to the finish line.
Washington has continuity and chemistry – something that can’t be bought on the open market. They may find the road hard in their quest towards the Eastern Conference Finals, but they have to stop making it easier for other teams.