Washington Wizards: My Annual Assessment of the Washington Wizards

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 –  APRIL 22: Mike Scott #30, John Wall #2, and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards react to a play against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 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 –  APRIL 22: Mike Scott #30, John Wall #2, and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards react to a play against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 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) /

Wizards 2018 Roster

John Wall is the Washington Wizards. Full stop. No praise, but that’s the truth. So the idea that he goes doesn’t enter into any equation.

I believe the only player I praised throughout the season, which was earned, is Porter.

Because there were a lot of times where Wall wasn’t even the best player on the team this season–Porter was.

Although no one is irreplaceable.

Everyone has to improve. Wall has to work on controlling the ball. But he really has to remember with whom he’s playing. You can’t make those Magic Johnson-like passes to everyone. Save those passes for the offseason. I’ll leave it at that.

Wall also has to stop wasting time on the clock. The turnovers, the clock, and playing too many minutes, so that’s he not as effective were my only qualms this season.

But the core should be Wall, Beal, Porter and Mike Scott coming off the bench. That at least should be the Wizards starting point.

Communication on and off the court

They need a better power forward and starting center. Granted Markieff Morris had his share of injuries, but if he could be consistent next season then he fits into Washington’s plan.

But Wall has to step up in his leadership. You’re still brothers off the court with Keef, but your his leader on the court. So it doesn’t matter if Wall is sitting on the bench, he has to speak up.

Keef was handled with kid gloves this season for the games he didn’t show up.

Not comparing to Rondo to Wall. But if anyone watched Game 3 of the Pelicans and Warriors, the way Rondo and Anthony Davis communicated on the court, that was a floor general right there.

There were times each other appeared to admonish the other after a play. But they did it to help the game, not to tear down one’s game.

If the Wizards can critique each other and communicate on the court without “feelings” getting hurt, they would not only be a better defensive team, but a better team altogether.

Hopefully, the Wizards can retain Mike Scott’s services and find a starting center. Because this team doesn’t have to be blown up, they just have to show up.