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Washington Wizards: Time for Ramon to be in session for Wizards

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 6: Ramon Sessions #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards during the preseason game on October 6, 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 6: Ramon Sessions #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards during the preseason game on October 6, 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) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 6: Ramon Sessions #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards during the preseason game on October 6, 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 6: Ramon Sessions #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards during the preseason game on October 6, 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) /

On Monday, the Washington Wizards signed Ramon Sessions to a second 10-day contract. After losing their last three games, it remains to be seen if the veteran guard will finally stop warming the bench, so Bradley Beal can get a breather.

On Monday, the Washington Wizards signed Ramon Sessions to a second 10-day contract. After losing their last three games, it remains to be seen if the veteran guard will finally stop warming the bench, so Bradley Beal can get a breather.

Last month I wrote that Washington has to manage Beal minutes. Otherwise they may get a repeat of Game 7 in the Boston series. Wherein John Wall lost his legs in the third quarter.

However this time around, if Beal doesn’t get meaningful rest during the regular season, this postseason mortem will be that of Beal’s tired arms, instead of Wall’s tired legs.

When signing Sessions, coach Brooks noted that he’s versatile, since he can play both positions—point guard and shooting guard.

Players have to trust each other on the floor. Likewise, coaches have to trust their players. There’s a reason why Washington went back to the well for Sessions.

He’s a proven guard who can make multiple trips to the free throw line. That line hasn’t been charitable to Washington of late.

In addition, Sessions has fresh legs. You can’t have Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics sounding like Victor Oladipo.

In Sunday’s loss to the Pacers, Oladipo had this to say about Beal:

"“He was exhausted. He played the whole fourth quarter as well too. He played really well.”"

After Game 7 in Boston, Marcus Smart had this to say about Wall: “His legs were just gone”.

"“That’s what we just kept telling our guys, our coaching staff kept telling us, ‘Just keep playing. Make sure he sees two or three. He’s going to wear down. In Game 7, legs are gone.’  And it does play a role and a big factor.”"

Smart “believes the star wore down as a huge pile of minutes built up.”

What difference does it make If Beal’s the best shooter on the floor and his arms are too tired to shoot? What difference does it make to have the fastest player in the NBA if his legs are too tired to run?

Just because Beal is young, doesn’t mean he won’t get tired. Of course, the shooting guard should feel invincible right now—first All-Star appearance, the best season of his career, leadership skills are shining, etc.

But he’s not the Black Panda, he’s still a human being with a body that needs rest to recuperate.

In their loss to Golden State last week, I again wrote that Beal’s minutes need to be managed:

"“Also, a valuable lesson was learned, Beal’s minutes have to be managed so he’s fresh for the postseason.Washington signed Ramon Sessions. Against the Warriors was as good as any to put him on the floor. He could at least get to the basket, and give Beal a bit of rest, since Sessions can play both positions. Hopefully, Sessions sees the floor on Friday. I’m not saying he’s the answer, but Washington has to try something different.It’s not a race, but a grueling marathon before the Wizards reach the postseason. Washington has to pace Beal.Yes, he had an off night, but it seems like he needs a night off. There’s no time to rest in the postseason.”"

This doesn’t let the other players of the hook. It’s an encouraging sign that Jodie Meeks is getting minutes after collecting DNP-CDs. Meeks is not a knockdown three-point shooter.

He should play to his strength and take shots inside the perimeter. Players will fear him, and when he’s aggressive, he will make trips to the free throw line. The name of the game is getting points on the scoreboard, not how many three-point shots attempted.

Make those minutes meaningful, Meeks.

Let’s run it back. Sessions should see the floor, even during the first quarter. Let the Wizards come out with a burst of energy. Meeks start taking short jumpers and driving to the basket.

Tomas Satoransky slow it down. You’re game is not run and gun. Don’t try to match the opponent’s pace, you set the pace. Don’t play their game, play yours.

The free throw line has been an enemy to Washington lately, let’s turn that around and make it your ally. Put some fear in your opponents, that they can’t run over you and not be called for a foul, thus Sessions should lead that march.

Since the recent losses have been close, not only does every basket count, the free throws even more so.

Every player on the Wizards has something that they’re good at, and some have multiple talents, but getting to the free throw line without Wall hasn’t been one of them. The Wizards should use what they have and put Sessions on the floor.

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