The 2022-’23 season is slowly becoming a lost cause for the Washington Wizards. They currently have the ten seed in the Eastern Conference and generally look lost half the time when playing other Play-In caliber teams.
With the Chicago Bulls right behind them and with a mildly easier remaining strength of schedule (.502 compared to .505) it is entirely possible that the Wizards fall out of the Play-In tournament all together. Especially since the Bulls addition of Patrick Beverley.
That being said, it’s not a bad idea to start looking forward to next season and the improvements/changes that Tommy Sheppard could make to the roster. Although not much is likely to change.
At point guard, the Washington Wizards could be starting Anthony Black.
Since they are higher in the seeding and with a better record than most other teams in the lottery, the Wizards are most likely going to have a mid-late lottery pick this year. This would mean that Anthony Black could fall right into their laps.
Black is a player who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor and is an elite playmaker. This makes him a perfect fit with the rest of the roster, both in the starting five and off the bench.
Considering the fact that he’s six-foot seven and is a defensive monster, his fit next to the selection for starting shooting guard is almost too perfect.
At shooting guard, the face of the Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal.
This one isn’t really a surprise. With a huge contract, the current front office, and a no-trade clause, Bradley Beal is not going anywhere. He is the face of the franchise, and they believe he is the key to winning another championship. For better or for worse.
Beal can score efficiently from all three levels and is far better off the catch than he is on a dribble drive. Something he has proven time and again in the clutch this season. Pairing him next to a player like Anthony Black would be huge for both players.
While his defense is iffy eight times out of ten and downright bad in one of those, he needs an elite defender next to him in the backcourt. While Delon Wright has provided a little bit of cushion for the Wizards, his playmaking isn’t what Beal needs.
This backcourt would be elite.
Starting at small forward, the Wizards will likely end up starting Deni Avdija.
While many will be surprised to see this entry, there is reasoning. Kyle Kuzma has been questionable to return all season long. He has referenced the idea of playing for a big market and asking for a massive contract. Lately he has even been critical of the gameplan on offense. It seems more and more likely that he does not play to return this offseason.
Unfortunately, that leaves Deni Avdija as the best replacement. He has had a few great games, but for the most part he has been iffy at best. He has plenty of potential but is unlikely to reach it with the Wizards current roster and playstyle.
He plays best in the fastbreak, an area the Wizards tend to avoid. He has great vision and is a phenomenal decision maker when he has a head of steam. However, he is never in a situation to run, thus negating that part of his game.
If he had a three-point shot that defenses respected, he could provide plenty of value to this team, but he is currently shooting under 30% for the season and it is clearly in his head now. Making his value to this particular team limited.
At power forward is the towering Kristaps Porzingis.
A star for the Washington Wizards this season, Kristaps Porzingis will be returning next season. He has a huge player option and could decline it for a long-term contract, either way, the Wiz will pay him.
His scoring has been elite this season and his fit next to players like Avdija and the selection at center has been elite. With his robbery of an All-Star appearance, he has managed to go under the radar.
Interest from other teams may also be limited based on the general lack of interest that he created at the trade deadline when most fans though the Wizards would be sellers with Kuzma and Porzingis. This means it is most likely for him to stay put.
Starting at center for the Washington Wizards will be Daniel Gafford.
On a big contract and worth every penny, even after a slow start, is Daniel Gafford. A defensive minded center who is shooting nearly 75% from the floor this season. It is incredibly unlikely that the Wizards trade him due to his youth, contract, and contributions to the team.
He has been the rock for the Wizards on the defensive end as he rarely missed games and has been incredibly consistent for most of the season.
His rebounding is also incredibly important for the team as he tracks down offensive boards and gives them plenty of second-chance opportunities. He has been an incredible glue guy for the team all year and is not being moved this offseason.
While most of the roster is likely to stay put, the Washington Wizards are still likely to see their starting unit get shaken up quite a bit. Whether or not that’s a good thing has yet to be seen.