Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: 3 things we have learned at the midseason mark

By Ethan Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Jordan McRae
Washington Wizards Jordan McRae (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

There’s no defense in Washington

Remember earlier in the season when the Wizards gave up159 to the Houston Rockets and 140 to the Boston Celtics. The thought at the time was that type of swiss cheese defense wasn’t going to last all season. That level of defensive ineptitude couldn’t be sustainable…right?

Wrong.

If we have learned anything from the Washington Wizards after half of a season of basketball, it is to not expect a lick of defense. The early-season struggles have only gotten worse throughout the season. After 41 games, the Wizards’ 116.3 defensive rating was the worst in the NBA.

To reiterate just how many points they are giving up, the Wizards gave up 130 points or more in nine of their first 41 games. Only the New Orleans Pelicans have allowed more games of 130+ points.

Individually, the Wizards may have found a few pieces that have shown defensive promise. Isaac Bonga and Gary Payton II are both above-average defenders. Payton, since leaving the G-League to join the Wizards, has been one of the peskiest defenders on any court and leads the NBA in steals and deflections in that time. But that’s about it.

Unfortunately, the Wizards aren’t likely to get much better on defense as they get healthier. Rui Hachimura, while comfortable on the offensive end, still has a ways to go before he’s a legit NBA defender. And Moritz Wagner may draw a few changes, but he isn’t altering many shots at the rim.

Plus, as long as Isaiah Thomas continues to start and get over 20 minutes each game, there isn’t much hope for the Washington D.

With all these defensive problems this season, an athletic, defensive-minded wing might be a top priority this summer for the Wizards, whether it be in the draft or in free agency. Maybe both.

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