Washington Wizards: One super exciting lineup for next season
By Cem Yolbulan
The Washington Wizards are almost done with their roster overhaul. One of the most active teams this offseason, the Wizards finally found a direction and reshaped their roster to be younger and more dynamic. They may be lacking in experienced veterans, but the Wizards have plenty of young players with high upsides.
Finding the optimum combinations and lineups for these players will be a challenge for coach Wes Unseld Jr. Regardless of what the starting or the closing five will be for the Wizards, there is one specific lineup that has the potential to be one of the most intriguing lineups in recent Wizards history.
The lineup of Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, Kyle Kuzma, and Daniel Gafford offers enough of everything to be the most exciting group for Washington next season.
Poole and Kuzma provide solid shot creation, scoring, and playmaking, while Kispert helps space the floor for them and knock down open shots. Coulibaly will take on the toughest defensive assignments, and add energy, hustle, and a transition element to the Wizards offense. Gafford plays as a rim protector on the defensive end while contributing offensively as an offensive rebounder and around-the-rim finisher.
There is an enticing two-way potential in this lineup. Coulibaly and Kuzma can be plus defenders with good size and athleticism, while Gafford acts as the anchor behind them. This allows hiding Poole and Kispert on weaker offensive players on the opposing team.
Offensively, there is enough spacing for Coulibaly to drive and get to the rim, surrounded by three shooters. Poole will have a pick & roll partner and a lob threat in Gafford while having Kispert coming off screens as a shooting threat. Coulibaly is a good off-ball cutter as well, giving another offensive option to the ballhandler in such actions.
Playing next to Poole and Kuzma will also help Coulibaly’s development as well. While the defense is focused on the two scorers, Coulibaly will have easier matchups and can take advantage. Furthermore, Coulibaly can use the veteran presence and mentorship provided by the championship-experienced duo.
The Washington Wizards will have plenty of different options to consider. Tyus Jones, Johnny Davis, and Deni Avdija will be key rotation pieces all season, and play alongside the group mentioned above.
It will be fascinating to see all of these lineup combinations, but perhaps none offer as much potential as the Poole-Coulibaly-Kispert-Kuzma-Gafford five.
