Washington Wizards: 3 Role Players that will be key for play-in tournament hopes

Washington Wizards that are key to a play-in birth: Daniel Gafford

I think it’s officially safe to say the Washington Wizards won their midseason trade with the Chicago Bulls. He’s only suited up 7 games for his new team but Daniel Gafford’s impact has been immediate! Gafford is averaging 11.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in only 17.1 minutess of play per game. It’s still early, but his athleticism and defensive prowess have been a major bright spot! As a viable lob threat, he’s developed quick chemistry with both Westbrook and Beal, who are already extremely comfortable throwing it anywhere near the rim because they have faith Gafford will come down with it. This quote says it all.

And throw it to the moon they have. Gafford has been a force around the rim, but even though the highlight dunks have been impressive, Gafford’s defense has been the biggest key to Washington’s recent success. He recently had back-to-back games with four blocked shots making him the first Wizard to have at least four blocks in consecutive games since Marcin Gortat (Nov. 2013).

That’s quite the achievement for someone who hasn’t even played 10 games with his new team yet. Gafford is proving early on that he can be a defensive anchor off the bench, which is exactly what the Wizards need. Before his arrival, Washington didn’t have a big man on the roster that struck fear in opposing teams when they entered the paint. But now, with Gafford in the middle, opposing players are starting to think twice before they attack the basket.