Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from preseason win over the Knicks

By Ben Vasconcellos

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Jeff Green #32 of the Washington Wizards smiles during the game against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 1, 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 – OCTOBER 01: Jeff Green #32 of the Washington Wizards smiles during the game against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 1, 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) /

In my player profile piece, I just wrote about how Jeff Green could turn out to be the best signing by the Wizards from this offseason. Markieff Morris was out last night with a soreness in his abdominal and Green got the start.

Green looked phenomenal. I almost forgot about Morris after Green’s performance.  He had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and went 7-10 from the field.

He looked great with the starters. Green was fantastic in transition and spread the floor nicely. He’s going to be a matchup nightmare weather he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench. Most people forget how athletically gifted he is and the versatility he brings to the table.

As you can see from the highlight reel above, the Knicks didn’t know how to guard Green last night. He put pressure on the defense in transition and was knocking down 70% of his shots. He also reminded us that he’s a high-flyer that defenders don’t want to contest at the rim.

At first glance, it appears that Austin Rivers will be the most productive player on the Wizards bench. I must admit, I do have high hopes for him possibly being a contender for 6th man of the year, but Green has out-played him in preseason thus far.

Green is demonstrating that not only can he be a starter in this league, but that he’s got all the potential to contend for a 6th man of the year run. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how Green has performed and it looks like Scott Brooks has as well.

The Wizards bench mob is going to be electric this season. With the way Green has been playing it will be hard not to give him 20+ minutes per game. That’s all the time he needs to score 15 points or more.

Watch out, Green is going to remind everyone that he’s still an elite talent in the NBA.

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