The Washington Wizards’ preseason will kick off this Friday, as they take on the defending champions, Golden St. Warriors. This will be the first of two games they will play against them in Japan during the preseason. The Wizards will play a total of four games this preseason, but will play all their games on the road.
Fans do not tend to put too much stock on the preseason. However, it is a time to see any new developments from players, rotations, and chemistry that might translate to the regular season. This is the first taste of the new roster the Wizards have constructed, and we can’t help but feel a smidge of excitement.
With Friday fastly approaching, let’s look at some things we might want to see throughout the preseason.
The Health of Beal & Porzingis
Last season was very unfortunate for Bradley Beal, as his numbers dipped from his previous two years. That wasn’t the only issue for Beal last season. He needed to receive surgery on his injured left wrist, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. However, Beal is not the only star in D.C. that needs to stay healthy.
Kristaps Porzingis has been plagued with injuries for the majority of his once promising career. Despite only being 27 years of age, Porzingis has been on three teams. Health has diminished his outlook around the league and is still trying to regain his form. There is some good news on his behalf.
Wes Unseld Jr. has informed the public that there will be no “load management” for Porzingis to start the season.
Wes Unseld Jr. says there is no plan to limit Kristaps Porzingis's minutes or sit him on back-to-backs
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) September 20, 2022
Porzingis was acquired at the trade deadline last season, but never played with Beal, as he already had the wrist surgery by then. The world does not know how they will mesh together. Preseason is the first sight of this newly formed duo.
Who is Starting at Small Forward?
Four players have a spot locked in the starting lineup at the moment. There is one spot opened right now and it is up for grabs. The small forward position can go a few different routes.
There is the newly acquired Will Barton, who came along with Monte Morris in a trade with the Denver Nuggets this off-season. Barton is a scorer first and foremost, who has started on some very good Nuggets teams the last few postseasons.
Barton has shot 37% from three over the past three season, while also averaging 14 points per game in that same span.
Another option can be the third year forward, Deni Avdija. Last season saw Deni improve on the defensive end dramatically, while playing in all 82 games. Furthermore, he showcased a new set of offensive skills this past summer with the Israeli National Team.
Deni Avdija showed his shotmaking off the bounce with a step back 3 and driving touch shot with under 3 MINS to go + helped Israel squeak past the Netherlands by the score of 74-67. The rising third-year Washington Wizards wing had 21 PTS on 6-of-11 FG and 7-of-7 FT pic.twitter.com/2trlfdQle4
— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) September 3, 2022
Deni is poised for a breakout season, as he is oozing with potential. A starting role can expedite that growth and have him become a true key player for years to come with the Wizards.
If the Wizards want to go a little bit bigger at the three spot, they could put Rui Hachimura or Kyle Kuzma there. Both of whom are possibly better suited at the power forward position, but it is hard to play Rui off the bench again.
The Wizards had high hopes for Rui, but injuries have caused him to miss tons of games. This is a make-or-break season, as he in entering the final year of his contract.
Rui might need this starting spot, but he does have a tall mountain to climb in order to achieve that.
The preseason starts Friday, so do not forget to tune in.