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Washington Wizards: Great Scott! Should Mike Scott start for the Wizards?

By Jen Julie Smith

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 29: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 29: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 29: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 29: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Should Mike Scott be the starting power forward, temporarily, over Markieff Morris for the Washington Wizards?

Although the Washington Wizards lost another game that they should’ve won, when they fell to the Clippers on Saturday, there was a bright spot–Mike Scott. Back in November, I had written that he was “Great Scott” in their win against the Kings, because he was taking unbelievable shots and they were falling.

After the Clippers’ loss, Coach Scott Brooks said, that some players didn’t come ready to play. He didn’t name names, but the ball doesn’t lie.

Markieff Morris who is one of the best power forwards in the league, hasn’t been consistent this season. It could be due to his sports hernia surgery, and that he returned to action too early. Whatever the reason, he has lacked focus. In addition, to not having his head in the game, he continues to get into early foul trouble.

On the other hand, even after collecting a few DNP-CDs this season, Mike Scott has always been ready. Off the bench against the Clippers, he had 22 points in 28 minutes. He was knocking down shots that didn’t look like they would go in. He also made three shots from downtown, and pulled down 8 rebounds.

Scott has been outstanding for the Wizards. He plays locked and loaded from the second he steps onto the court, until he sits down. His consistency and the fact that he’s always ready, may have earned him a spot in the starting lineup.

It would be touchy for Keef or any player to lose their spot, but it would only be temporary. Once Keef is fully healthy, then he would return to the starting lineup.

Regarding Keef’s inconsistency, Zach Lowe of ESPN wrote:

"Morris’ rebounding has been worrisome. He’s grabbing boards at career-low levels on both ends, and the Wizards allow too many offensive rebounds when he’s on the floor. He sometimes floats around the arc, doing nothing, when a shot goes up.Washington’s starting lineup is barely outscoring opponents. Meanwhile, their other go-to group — a small-ball look with Kelly Oubre in Morris’ place — has emerged as their best lineup. I’ve written before that Scott Brooks should at least consider shifting Morris to sixth man; he’s better suited than Oubre to carry bench units.A change may cause more drama than it’s worth. Washington’s bench has perked up of late (hello, Tomas Satoransky!), and Otto Porter is doing good work as the lone starter alongside them….The real solution is for Morris to get healthy, and play better."

Although Lowe advocates for Oubre, either player would be a good stand-in for Keef, until he’s fully healthy.

At this point the Wizards have to look at the bigger picture. Allow Keef to come off the bench for now, and start later when he’s fully healthy. Or keep Keef in the starting lineup, and Washington may have to fight to win every game down the stretch, for playoff seeding.

A healthy Keef is the most dominant player on the floor, and should return to the player that we saw last season–crashing the boards, clutch, and fearless. His toughness carried the Wizards last season, and deep into the postseason.

However, the Wizards can’t be shortsighted. But rather look at the long-term, if they’re really serious about reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.

John Wall will be returning soon, so this may all be moot. However, after the game, Bradley Beal had the most prescient statement. He said, that after any loss, they tell each other, “on to the next one”. But he’s tired of saying, “on to the next one, because at some point you’re going to run out of games.”

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