Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 2017-2018 Wizards, Season that was and can be

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards celebrates a three-pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at Verizon Center on December 23, 2015 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards celebrates a three-pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at Verizon Center on December 23, 2015 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 22: Markieff Morris #5 and Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after the Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 110-103. 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 – FEBRUARY 22: Markieff Morris #5 and Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards celebrate after the Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 110-103. 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) /

“You may encounter many defeats, but you mustn’t be defeated” – Maya Angelou

When Wall went down (surgery) the Wizards stepped up. There was no starting lineup, bench unit, there was only one team. A team that came together when one of their leaders went down.

Their true spirit emerged during those days. Too many games they were dependent on Wall to take over and win. So they never fully utilized their true talents, because Wall was there.

Now Wall wasn’t. Tomas Satoransky became a leader in his own right.

Mike Scott has that rare gift that he plays his best no matter the situation or circumstance.

While Oubre already proved it at the beginning of the season.

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the Charlotte Hornets on February 23, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the Charlotte Hornets on February 23, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Yet, Ian Mahinmi has been the unwritten hero of the season. Last year, he was ridiculed left and right about his salary and inability to play due to injury.

Never once. Not once did I ever see him hang his head, or say his critics are right.

He quietly emerged as one of the Wizards strongest pieces this year. Again, some forget the past and only want to focus on the present.

Look how far Mahinmi has come. To me he was the biggest improvement in Washington this year.

Then there’s Bradley Beal. Who stepped up in a magnanimous way without Wall. He played all 82 games this season, the first time in his career. He’s a competitor. Too many minutes? He listened to his heart over any pain.

How he integrated Satoransky in the starting lineup is true leadership quality. One attribute of a leader is that you know internally something is hard. But externally, you show the person or team you’re trying to lead that it’s not.

That’s what Beal did. He took on more of a burden but helped his team find their confidence. Afterwards, they found their own strength that was always there in the first place.

Beal is an All-Star through and through.

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