What Corey Kispert’s Latest Stretch can mean for the Wizards Next Season
![Corey Kispert of the Washington Wizards throws it down against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) Corey Kispert of the Washington Wizards throws it down against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/087f0bcbf67590eccf4032bf837775a15364dfc31ef50f031ddd55a6bf575efa.jpg)
Corey Kispert is clearly one of the best three-point shooters in the league and these last few games, his skill set has been on full display. Recently, he put up a career-high 29 points against the New York Knicks including four three-pointers. The game before that against the Magic, he put up what was then career-high of 27 points on nine made three-pointers. All his field goals were three-pointers.
Over his last seven games, he is averaging 20 points on 50.4% from the floor and almost 55% from deep. His role has expanded since the stars have been out and this is something the Wizards can look to build on going into next season.
With Corey Kispert’s shooting ability, he should be getting consistent minutes. To add to this, the trade that sent Rui Hachimura to Los Angeles freed up some of the log jam at the forward position. This should allow Kispert to receive even more minutes next to the big three if they can retain their core.
Next season, the Wizards should put more emphasis on ball movement, running more plays to get everyone engaged into the offense. Too often the team relies on Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma to run an iso which leaves the rest of the players just standing around waiting for the ball. Many times, this leads to leaving Kispert open in the corner without ever receiving the ball.
If the team can run some dribble hand-offs or pin-down plays for Kispert, it would open a new dimension for the offense. With offensive threats like Beal, Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, they all have the ability to make the right play to find shooters. However, the coaching staff first needs to find a way to free them up. Kispert’s 5 three-point attempts this season should definitely increase next year if the coaches utilize him more.
Not only has his accuracy behind the arc has been on display, but he has some impressive highlights at the rim this season as well. He threw down some impressive dunks and showcased a variety of acrobatic layups, aspects that many fans did not know that Kispert had in his game.
TURN US 🆙 COREY 😤
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 12, 2023
flight of the week x @NATCA pic.twitter.com/Wubqpb0naJ
Some of those dribble hand offs, and pin-down plays can lead to more opportunities around the rim in the future for Kispert, displaying that athleticism he has shown glimpses of. Naturally, this has to come from team design, personnel, and coaching plays. If Wes Unseld Jr. is still the coach next season, it may be hard to get him shots because he relies heavily on his stars to produce.
We will have to see if Unseld changes up his coaching schemes, but whatever direction the Washington Wizards decide to go in, it needs to involve getting Corey Kispert more shots.
Next. Where the offense isn't coming from for the Washington Wizards. dark