Grading the Washington Wizards at the All-Star Break

5. Ish Smith

Grade: A-

Aside from Davis Bertans, Ish Smith has been the biggest surprise for the Wizards this season. At the start of the year, it looked as though Isaiah Thomas was primed to start and take the majority of the minutes at the point guard position in John Wall’s absence. We soon realized, however, that this would not be the case.

Smith, the shifty veteran guard, made his presence felt early and often and has pushed his way into a starting role on this Wizards squad.

Most memorably, Smith led the way with 32 points and 8 assists in a shocking upset win over the title-contending Denver Nuggets in January. He then followed that performance up with a 27 point night in another upset win, this time against Boston, just days later.

In subsequent games, Smith’s minutes improved significantly and was solidified as the starter when Isaiah Thomas was traded to the Clippers at the trade deadline.

You have to love Smith’s story. Here’s a guy who has floated around from team to team for nearly the entirety of his career, finally finding his niche and getting comfortable in Coach Scott Brooks‘ system.

In what was originally a precautionary move by general manager Tommy Sheppard in the offseason, the acquisition of Ish Smith has paid great dividends for the Washington Wizards.