Washington Wizards: 3 Players that must perform in the postseason

Washington Wizards that must perform in the postseason: Raul Neto

An offseason acquisition that at the time seemed to be an afterthought on a one-year contract, Raul Neto has consistently stepped up this season in times of adversity for the Wizards. When Ish Smith was struggling early in the season with injuries and performance, Neto stepped into the role of backup point guard to Russell Westbrook. He averaged just eight points per game but has proven to be a consistent scorer in important moments, often being on the floor in the final minutes of close games. He has also been a reliable and tenacious perimeter defender for the Wizards.

Neto found his way into the starting lineup on a regular basis towards the end of the season, starting his final fourteen games before hamstring soreness forced him to miss the final two games of the season. In those fourteen games, Neto averaged 11.3 points per game on very consistent shooting, making at least 50 percent of his field-goal attempts in ten of the fourteen games.

It is essential that Raul Neto is available for the Wizards in the postseason, both for the play-in games and any potential playoff games that the Wizards make it to. With Bradley Beal admitting himself that he is not yet 100 percent after, it is now more important than ever that the Wizards backup guard is ready to go.