Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: My Annual Assessment of the Washington Wizards

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards participate in an open practice for military veterans on November 10, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Bradley Beal #3 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards participate in an open practice for military veterans on November 10, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 2018 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 25, 2018 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Does Wall Still Need Backup?

Fortunately, Tomas Satoransky stepped up this season. Sato is not playoff-tested, but he can be if he gets more minutes next season.

Sato is not really a two. One player that I mentioned during the offseason, who could switch easily from point to shooting was Jrue Holiday.

However Sato’s potential is unlimited. If the Wizards believe he could be a reliable backup shooting guard or small forward, I’ll give the organization the benefit of the doubt.

But if they plan on having him fill multiple backup roles, then Wall still needs backup. Sato can’t be a jack-of-all-trades, and a master of none.

There’s only one player in the league who has mastered it all.

The first decision Washington has to make is to define Sato’s role.

Is he going to be Wall’s primary backup? If so, he has to be developed for the postseason.

If he’s going to be a jack-of-all-trades, then the team will not be better next season. In addition, they will still have to find Wall a primary.

The Wizards can’t stock the bench with “replacement players” who barely see the light of day. If history has taught us anything, everyone has to be able to step onto that court.

That’s one of the Wizards problems. Other teams can throw their whole squad at them. Washington needs to stock its bench in the same manner.

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