Is Corey Kispert really the weakest link in the Wizards’ starting five?
In a recent article on Bleacher Report by Andy Bailey, Corey Kispert was named as the “weakest link” in the starting five of the Washington Wizards. While he may not be the best player in the league, is this claim actually true?
There is heavy debate on who should start for the Wizards next season between Deni Avidja and Kispert. The article used total starts last season as a guide to decide who will earn that role next season.
The justification for this selection was essentially Kispert will be a floor spacer and nothing more. That’s it. While that is solid justification by itself, there is a lot more to it than just what a player is asked to do.
Corey Kispert is much more than just a spot-up shooter
Contrary to popular belief, Kispert is capable of offering much more to a team than just standing in the corner waiting for an opportunity to shoot a three. Although, shooting is his greatest strength, he is above average in other areas as well.
He is a great player off the ball with timely cuts and movement without the basketball, an aspect of the game that has defined one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history with the Golden State Warriors.
Kispert also boasts solid athleticism with quite a few highlight dunks, especially toward the end of the season when the “big three” was shut down.
light. Related Story. Is Jordan Poole shoot-out with DC-native proof that he's already recruiting stars?
The problem for the young forward comes with his defense. While he isn’t quite the worst defender in the league, he is probably in the bottom quarter of the NBA in that regard. This is likely a large portion of why he was named as the weakest link.
It’s clear that he could take a bigger role if there were the available touches for him. However, due to there being four other players who excel at multiple aspects of the game consistently in the starting lineup, he is likely to be the weakest link.
While the article on Bleacher Report definitely didn’t give Corey Kispert full credit for his offensive abilities, Bailey wasn’t wrong in saying that Kispert would be the weakest link in that starting group.
dark. Next. The Washington Wizards should bring back this 20 point per game scorer