Wiz of Awes
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Regardless of what happens next season, the Washington Wizards offseason was a huge success

By Cem Yolbulan

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards just had one of the most active and impactful offseasons they had in recent memory. After many years of chasing the 8-seed and deluding themselves into thinking that they are one move away from championship contention, the Wizards finally have a direction, a plan, and a competent team to execute it. Regardless of what happens with on-court performance over the next few seasons, this offseason was a huge win for the organization, and it will be remembered as the summer that changed the fate of the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards were in a situation where the big-picture decisions were significantly more important than the individual moves this summer. Under a microscope, perhaps none of the Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, or Monte Morris trades were huge wins in terms of asset return. However, this offseason was more important than winning each trade. It was about finally choosing a vision for the future of the franchise and putting the right people in charge to execute that vision.

This is why the biggest move the Washington Wizards made this offseason was in the front office. Bringing in Michael Winger as team president and Will Dawkins as the general manager completely reshaped the overall strategy and decision-making processes in Washington. The duo was given carte-blanche by the team owner Ted Leonsis and they delivered with a slew of courageous moves to kickstart the rebuild.

The initial results may not be pretty. The rebuild may take longer than anticipated and the Wizards may be really bad the next couple of seasons. Starting from scratch to build a winning culture in an organization that hasn’t won 50 games in 44 seasons is not easy.

However, that simply doesn’t matter. At least, for the first time in a very long time, there is a clear plan. And more importantly, there is hope.

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