Washington Wizards: Studs and duds from 107-98 loss to Philadelphia 76ers

Stud: Troy Brown Jr

In the bubble, we are finally getting to see Troy Brown Jr unleashed. We saw it for a bit at the end of last season once the Wizards had finally given up hope on a playoff birth.

In a similar situation now, the Wizards are experimenting with Brown, and it looks like they’ve been using him wrong all along. In Orlando, Brown has acted as more of a facilitator instead of being relegated to the wing to watch Beal work.

Despite his size, Brown’s skillset is guard-esque. It’s not as conducive to the three and D wing role the Wizards have tried to force him into since drafting him two summers ago. Brown is now blossoming with the ball in his hands.

Against Philadelphia, Brown finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Another swiss army knife statline, something that’s become the norm for Brown in the bubble. Through four games, he’s averaging 16 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.25 assists per game.

After the Wizards’ loss to the Pacers, coach Scott Brooks alluded to Brown getting the nod at starting point guard before the bubble games are over. It didn’t happen vs. the 76ers, but the sooner the Wizards give it a shot, the better.