Washington Wizards: 3 biggest concerns heading into the 2018-19 season

2. Complacency

The Wizards have never finished higher than the 4th seed since the 1978-79 Bullets, who finished first in the regular season. but then lost in the NBA finals. The franchise has gone through its fair share of ups and downs, but has failed to leap over mediocrity.

For some time, people believed the Wizards could make a push to the conference finals even with LeBron James in the East. But year after year they failed to meet expectations. Washington has approached the point where it’s not a disappointment when they lose in the playoffs. This standard can hopefully change this season.

The point being, the Wizards are the best team at being complacent in the NBA. Regardless of the talent that they’ve had throughout the years, they always play down to their opponents, not allowing them to advance as far as they should.

In the 2016-17 season, in my opinion, Washington should have beaten the Boston Celtics in Game 7. They were the more talented team and better suited to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead they let Kelly Olynyk go for 26 points to elevate the Celtics to victory.

Washington needs to get out of the habit of playing to their opponents level. This is one of the most talented rosters they’ve ever had. If they don’t take advantage of what’s at hand, then they are never get to be in the conversation for top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards are at the crossroads. Time to make the correct turn to be on the big stage.