Washington Wizards: Who will Rui Hachimura replace in the starting five?

No. 2 – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is probably the 2nd likeliest player to be taken out of the starting five when Rui Hachimura returns. However, his 8-year NBA experience makes him too valuable to this unit to take out. No one on the Wizards roster has played more NBA regular season games than KCP, whose played in 631 total. KCP was drafted in 2013 and has played for 3 different NBA franchises, winning a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. His veteran leadership and championship pedigree is vital for this team.

He may not be the same player he once was, but he still provides the Wizards with quality 3&D wing play. In 25 games, KCP is leading Washington in 3-point percentage (40.3%) and is 3rd on the team in 3-point attempts per game (5.2). Removing him from the starting lineup would be catastrophic for a team that currently ranks 26th in 3-point shooting percentage (32.5%). As it stands, KCP is the most reliable shooter from beyond the arc and the Wizards need the floor spacing.

Even though he only averages 11.4 PPG, he’s been a key piece to Washington’s starting lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions is critical because there are a lot of quality wing players in the East. KCP plays with tenacity and grit at all times. This energy is infectious to the rest of his teammates, which is why numbers don’t truly matter in his case. KCP’s presence alone helps take the Wizards to another level on both ends of the floor.

Lastly, could you imagine sliding Rui next to KCP and Gafford in the frontcourt? They would give opposing teams fits defensively! All 3 of these players like to lay their hat on the defensive end so this trio would undoubtedly do damage together. I could easily see the Wizards climbing back into the top-10 in defensive rating once everyone is back and acclimated to the system. If Washington can focus on getting stops, then the offense is bound to come around as well.