3 Wizards with the Most to Prove this Upcoming Season

We are a little over a month away from the Washington Wizards’ 2022-23 regular season to commence. The excitement is palpable. The Wizards are entering the season looking a lot different, which gives the team a new slate from last year’s squad.

However, there a few players that might need to prove themselves. Each individual listed is trying to shun the doubt that might be cast on them for different reasons. Heading to the year, that slate gets cleaned, but there is still some residue that lingers.

Who is entering the new season with the most to prove?

3. Johnny Davis

For most rookies, there tends to be a grace period with their first season. There will be bumps along the way, but the goal is to improve from game-to-game, while showcasing their talent. Things might be a little bit different for the Wizards’ 10th overall selection in this year’s draft; Johnny Davis.

The Wizards were high on Davis and felt as though they found their guy. Unfortunately, the Summer League was a disaster for Davis. His play caused concern, as he was struggling at every aspect of the game. The numbers spoke for themselves.

Davis couldn’t find his shot, while being careless with the ball at the same time. The pressure for Davis was not immense going into Summer League, but the performance in Las Vegas has put some on his shoulders now.

The Wizards do not need a star to emerge, but at least someone that can contribute to a playoff hopeful.

2. Rui Hachimura

One of the biggest question marks heading into the season is the contract status of Rui Hachimura. After being selected with the ninth overall pick in 2019, Rui is entering the final year of his rookie contract.  Do the Wizards offer him an extension?

The answer is still undecided at the moment. Rui has shown flashes, but his inability to be healthy hurts his progress. For three seasons, Rui has not played more than 57 games in a season. His numbers have dipped slightly from his first year to his third.

Furthermore, Kyle Kuzma emerged as the go-to starting four last season. Deni Avdija has been improving drastically over the summer; and has the height to play a small-ball four if need be. The Wizards brought in veteran, Taj Gibson, as well.

His spot is up for grabs. With his contract in the final year, he can even be dealt for a piece at the trade deadline. A lot is at stake for Rui, as he is entering a potential make-or-break season.

1. Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is the Wizards franchise guy. He got the big money this offseason, when he signed a five year, $251 million supermax extension. That doesn’t mean that Beal can take it easy.

In fact, the pressure has gone up a level for Beal. He openly stated how much winning a title in D.C. would mean to him.

However, the dream is to see him take this iteration of the Wizards to the postseason. Last year was a disappointment for Beal. His scoring and shooting splits dropped severely, while injuring his left wrist and needing surgery. That injury limited him to just 40 games last season.

Wizards fans have seen this story before. A great player is due for an extension and gets hurt right before a decision needs to be made. The Wizards will offer the contract and it plays out horrendously.

Beal has the chance to prove the doubters of his contract wrong, while cementing his legacy as a Wizards great.