Wiz of Awes
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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 Isaiah Thomas
Washington Wizards Isaiah Thomas (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Isaiah Thomas Experiment has Failed

It would have been an awesome and fun redemption story during a mostly meaningless season for the Washington Wizards, but the Isaiah Thomas experiment has not worked.

Thomas, who was brought in over the summer on a one-year veteran minimum contract, simply is not the same player he once was with the Boston Celtics. Even on the worst defensive team in the NBA, Thomas’s lackluster defense is glaring. Halfway through the season, he owns the team’s worst defensive rating: 121.

While Thomas’s offensive numbers have been serviceable, it’s obvious that Ish Smith is the best point guard currently on this team. Of course, that will change once John Wall returns. And considering what Gary Payton II brings to the table — defense, rebounding, hustle — he’s a better fit on this team. At this point, you can make the argument that the Wizards would be better off keeping IT off the floor.

The Wizards are better offensively when he sits by about two points per 100 possessions. They’re better defensively by about six points per 100 possessions. All in all, they’re about eight points better per 100 possessions when IT sits, according to stats from Cleaning the Glass.

Next. Top 5 Washington Wizards Moments of the Decade. dark

Objectively speaking, Thomas isn’t really helping the Wizards win. But making him disappear midway through the season might not bode well for future talks with veteran free agents. Besides, the Wizards want a lottery pick, right? What do they need to win for, anyway?

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