Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Return of Markieff Morris and What to do With Ian Mahinmi

By Garrison Cole

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 25: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards drives around LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers 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: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards drives around LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers 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 –  OCTOBER 18: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena 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 –  OCTOBER 18: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena 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) /

Markieff Morris returns to the Washington Wizards’ lineup this week, and also what to do with Ian Mahinmi.

The Washington Wizards have played two weeks’ worth of games to start the season. We have seen some good things and not so good early on. A road trip out west and a looming showdown this week with the defending conference champions – it has definitely been an exciting start to the year. So here I am answering your questions on all things Wizards thus far.

All those exciting things and Ryan Oliver brings the pessimism like a true Wizards fan! To be honest Ryan, there’s not too much the Wizards can do.

Ian Mahimi has been a lightning rod since he got to the District last season, after he signed that massive contract. But in his defense, Mahinmi wasn’t healthy last year which played a huge role in his performance. He only played 31 regular season games.

He missed so much time that he wasn’t able to contribute the way he knew he could. This season he definitely looks lighter, he seems to be moving better and he’s playing. Mahinmi actually on the floor is so much better than the alternative, which we saw for most of last season.

Now is he ever going to justify that contract? Absolutely not. He just needs to be active when he’s out there. He needs to be a rebounder, a shot blocker, set good screens, and be reliable for Coach Scott Brooks.

And I have a feeling the more he plays, the more comfortable he will look. I try not to overreact to any happenings that occur in October, so don’t be too hard on Mahinmi just yet. The way the roster is currently constructed Mahinmi’s presence is needed so they’re stuck with the roller coaster ride he’s been.

What’s up Ryan? Markieff Morris is expected to make his season debut for the Wizards this week, after undergoing sports hernia surgery in September. I personally believe that he’ll make that debut Friday against the Cavs, which means he should be active Wednesday night against the Suns so he can serve his one game suspension.

It cannot be overstated how much Morris means to the Wizards. He put up consistent numbers during the middle of the season last year, and was a barometer for the Wizards. It’s not just his points and rebounding but also his toughness. Morris brings with him an attitude and swagger which the Wizards desperately need. So I think it’s fair and reasonable to expect the same when he returns.

It might take a little time before his offensive numbers return to what we saw last year. He averaged 14 points per game last season, and 6.5 rebounds. In addition, with the improved play of Otto Porter, his scoring might be a little lower. However, his toughness should be on full display from the jump.

The return of Morris will also allow everyone to return to their projected roles before the start of the season. It will allow Kelly Oubre to be that spark plug off the bench. While Morris was sidelined, Oubre has been playing with a lot more confidence to start the season. It also allowed Brooks to be more creative with his lineup combinations on a nightly basis, providing the Wizards some added depth, which was thought to be a strength coming into the season.

So expect Morris to be Morris. He’ll be talking, shoving, and hopefully playing well. One thing to note: Morris has been practicing in some form or capacity for a few weeks now so it’s reasonable to expect some rust, but not a lot of it.

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