3 goals for the Washington Wizards in the 2023-’24 NBA season
The Washington Wizards are entering a transition period. They have officially moved on from the Bradley Beal era and are now prepping for the next big star to hit the scene. Whether that player is already on the roster or not is still unknown, but what we do know is this team will be interesting for a few years.
However, with transition periods, particularly in teams that have plenty of flaws behind the scenes and have been on the bottom tier of the NBA as long as the Wizards have, there are some changes that need to happen as quickly as possible. Luckily, they can accomplish some of those this season.
First, the Washington Wizards need to establish a winning culture
Something that has been lacking from the Wizards franchise for decades is a culture of hard work and dedication. This is always important for teams looking to win as it can be the difference between a middling team and a championship contender. Just look at the Miami Heat last season.
They have already made some significant moves to begin establishing a culture. they have brought in gym rats who spend hours a day doing nothing but practicing basketball like Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma and also brought in players who can spend all day in the weight room like Eugene Omoruyi.
Even the addition of veteran players like Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, and Mike Muscala who have all been significant pieces of winning teams as complimentary players is extremely important.
Very few rebuilding teams recognize the need to establish a culture within the franchise during a rebuild. This is where the Golden State Warriors succeeded early on and why their rebuild was so successful compared to teams like the Charlotte Hornets who are still seemingly without a clear direction.
Even teams like the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers were able to quickly pivot into winning habits while still rebuilding using strategic draft selections. Players like Isaiah Stewart and Jarrett Allen have been huge aspects of making that change.
This needs to be the plan for the Washington Wizards and based on various quotes given by members of the organization, it seems like they agree.