Wiz of Awes
Fansided

2018 Washington Wizards Wish List

By C. Denton Day

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of the game at TD Garden on December 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 27, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 27: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 27, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Good Health

Consistency has been the Wizards biggest issue this year. Part of that is because they haven’t been able to have a consistent starting lineup on the floor.

Markieff Morris missed the first seven games of the season, eight total games. John Wall has missed 11 games this season and Otto Porter has missed three games.

While that is not an excuse for the inconsistent play, it is certainly a big factor. It goes without saying that the healthier a team is the more likely they are to win.

Unfortunately, this is the most uncontrollable aspect on this list. But if the Wizards can stay healthy sooner or later—hopefully sooner—they’ll be able to establish consistency.

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards runs up the floor after hitting a three pointer in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: Mike Scott #30 of the Washington Wizards runs up the floor after hitting a three pointer in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2017 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Bench Production in the Playoffs

Mike Scott has been the biggest surprise of the season for the Wizards. I’ll flex a little bit, I knew Scott was going to contribute. But I didn’t know he’d be this good.

In the month of December, Scott averaged 11.4 ppg., shooting 61.3 percent from the field. Anyone who even suggests that they imagined he would put those numbers should get a tech.

Kelly Oubre has been another great bench player for the Wizards this season. Oubre has been a consistent scorer from the bench with no shortage of hustle.

Last season, Oubre made 54 three-pointers in 79 games. Through 35 games he’s made 52 three-pointers. That has been huge for the Wizards.

As great as these two guys have been it’s only December. This production needs to be put on display in the months of April, May and June.

Bench production was the Wizards biggest downfall last season. When the Wizards make it to the playoffs this year—which they will—they need a bench.

Oubre, Scott and the emergence of Tomas Satoransky are going to be the X-factors when the playoffs come around.

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