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Washington Wizards: Assessing Tommy Sheppard’s first season as general manager

By Jack Skolnik

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Washington Wizards players kneel during the national anthem before their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 2, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Washington Wizards players kneel during the national anthem before their NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 2, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Verdict

All in all, this was a quality first year for the Washington Wizards’ general manager. Not everything Sheppard did in his first season was perfect, but the good outweighed the bad. We have to keep in mind that although he has been with the Wizards for years as the second in command, being the top dog is much different.

The Bertans trade was one of the best moves in recent memory for the Wizards and paid off instantly. Assuming they can re-sign him, you bring back one of the best shooters in the NBA to play with one of the best passers in the NBA (don’t forget about Wall, people!!).

The moves for Wagner, Bonga, and Robinson were quality ones as well, considering the Wizards had very little assets and still brought in young talent. Acquiring a few young guys, even just to see what they can bring to the table, was the right move during this developmental year.

The Beal extension was another win for Sheppard, especially after how things turned out this past season. Beal easily could have punted and asked for a trade during or after another losing season. But he’s shown a willingness to see what Sheppard. They needed time, Sheppard got them some.

Strikes Against Sheppard

Although Sheppard’s first season was more good than bad, there are a few things you can legitimately question.

  • Why did they stick with Isaiah Thomas for so long?
  • Are they relying too much on John Wall to return to form?

The Thomas signing never made any sense, and in a time when the Wizards should have been giving more time to some younger guys, they opted to play Thomas. Even though they traded him, they hung on too long. It just never made sense.

The Wall scenario is not necessarily an issue, yet. Considering his contract is almost untradeable, the Wizards are kind of forced to run it back with Wall/Beal. But Wall hasn’t played NBA basketball in almost two years. He looks good in practice videos, but what can the Wizards realistically expect from the 30-year-old point guard?

That’s all still to be determined, but the Wizards will have to be careful moving forward not to mortgage their future in order to get a lower-tier playoff spot if Wall does not come back looking like his former self.

Next. 3 biggest weaknesses Wizards must address this offseason. dark

But I digress. All in all, Tommy Sheppard did a very nice job in his first season as the Wizards GM. He was not dealt the best hand, but he did what he could. A lot of the moves we may not have a final answer on for another season or two as these players develop.

But all in all, a job well done by Tommy. Now, the pressure’s on.

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