Wiz of Awes
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3 reasons why the Washington Wizards will be fun to watch next season

By Cem Yolbulan

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on November 13, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on November 13, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Johnny Davis, Washington Wizards
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

A new direction for the franchise

Perhaps the most important win for the Washington Wizards organization this offseason was finally deciding on a direction. After a decade of mediocrity and over four decades of not winning over 50 games, the franchise needed to reevaluate its game plan. And they did a masterful job of hiring a new front office who made the right decision by choosing to rebuild.

The Wizards fans will be watching a team with a plan for the first time in a while. The organization is no longer under the illusion of being a contender. And that plan is to develop young players, play the right way, and build a winning culture. That is significantly more fun to watch than a team full of veterans chasing a play-in seed.

The entire 2023-24 season will be about how the young players develop throughout the year and how they fit together. Which players are long-term pieces? What is the best role and position for Coulibaly? Can Johnny Davis be a rotation-level player? How much should Deni Avdija’s contract extension be? What is Corey Kispert’s ceiling? These are the questions that will find answers throughout the season and that will be fun to keep an eye out during the season.

To find answers to these questions, coach Wes Unseld Jr. will have to get creative. Since there is no pressure to win immediately, Unseld Jr. will have a chance to experiment with different lineups and playing styles.

He can go small with Kuzma and Avdija as the lone big men in the lineup. He can go big with Coulibaly, Kuzma, Avdija, and Gafford on the court at the same time. He can play Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole together for more playmaking, or play neither and have Coulibaly and Avdija carry more of the offensive burden. He can have Shamet, Kispert, and Muscala on the court and have a ton of shooting, or he can have shooting-challenged but defensive-minded lineups with Coulibaly, Davis, Avdija, and Kuzma.

There are endless options to explore. Seeing what works and what doesn’t will be exciting to keep track of Washington Wizards fans. That is more fun than wondering whether the team will win 34 or 36 games next season.

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