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2023-24 Washington Wizards superlatives: Best scorer, defender and more

By Cem Yolbulan

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and Deni Avdija #9 talk with head coach Wes Unseld Jr. during the game against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on February 24, 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 Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and Deni Avdija #9 talk with head coach Wes Unseld Jr. during the game against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on February 24, 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 Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) /
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We are less than six weeks away from the start of the 2023-24 NBA season. The training camp and preseason are right around the corner, so it’s time to get into the basketball mood and start thinking about the new-look Washington Wizards.

The Wizards made the decision to reshape their roster this summer. All-Stars like Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis departed. However, there is still plenty of talent on this team. The team is younger, more dynamic, and more athletic. But, who is the best on the team in each individual skill? Let’s explore.

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Best scorer: Jordan Poole

The Washington Wizards have two players who averaged over 20 points per game last season: Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole. They are both certified bucket-getters who have a variety of scoring moves in their arsenal. They can both create their own shots, score off-the-dribble and put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court. It’s a tough choice distinguishing between the two, but Jordan Poole may be the more complete scorer.

Looking at the last two seasons, Poole has a slight edge over Kuzma in almost all scoring metrics. He scores more per possession, gets to the free-throw line more, and has a better shooting percentage in 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free-throws. Poole has a True Shooting Percentage of 58.4 compared to Kuzma’s 54.6 despite shooting more per possession.

Obviously, Poole was in a more favorable situation with the Golden State Warriors. He isn’t the main focus of opposing defenses who had to worry about Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins. But, Poole managed to maintain his scoring efficiency and volume, even when Curry wasn’t available. He just has more versatility to his scoring with his combination of shifty drives, crafty finishing, and long-distance shooting. If any Wizard is going to average over 25 points next season, it’s likely going to be Poole.

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