4 Washington Wizards that could be on next year’s SI Top 100 list
By Ethan Smith
Davis Bertans
Of the four players listed here, Davis Bertans (incredibly nicknamed the Latvian Laser) is definitely the dark horse to be representing the Washington Wizards on future Top 100 lists. Through his first three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Bertans was never more than a solid role player coming off the bench. Whether that had more to do with personnel or playing ability, we’ll find out for sure in Washington.
The thing about Bertans is he possesses a lot of the key qualities you want in a modern stretch four. He can shoot the ball extremely well from deep, posting three-point field goal percentages of 0.399, 0.373, and 0.429 in his first three seasons. He’s also increased his three-point frequency each season. During the 2018-19 season, he averaged 4.4 three-point attempts per game. Add that shooting ability to Bertans’s impressive court vision and passing and you’ve got yourself quite the stretch four.
Defensively, he is not exactly a lockdown defender or a force around the rim. He averaged just 0.7 blocks per game last season. However, he’s long enough and athletic enough to guard around the perimeter. Bertans has been a plus defender for each and every season he’s played so far. He is hardly a liability on defense.
Unlike in San Antonio, Bertans will get the chance to show what he can do in Washington. With so much uncertainty still floating around this roster, don’t be surprised to see Bertans starting on opening night.