The Washington Wizards have been forced to watch several players use a change of scenery to emerge in a different role elsewhere
Washington's been forced to see their unfortunate NBA Finals streak live on and early preseason signs suggests that the Wizards may be forced to watch yet another former player prove to be an X-Factor on a new squad.
As many know, the Wizards made an in-season trade with the Milwaukee Bucks last season prior to the NBA trade deadline in February.
Washington offloaded a disgruntled Kyle Kuzma in exchange for veteran forward Khris Middleton and a high-upisde player in AJ Johnson.
Looking back, each side has an argument when it comes to deciding which team made it out on the winning side, but heading into next season, neither team has really come out on the winning side.
Kuzma's start in Milwaukee was underwhelming; as was Middleton's early run with the Wizards. Johnson's development could be the deciding factor, but for now, it remains undecided.
Obviously, Milwaukee heads into next season with Kuzma on the roster and that's probably the player most people thought this article would be about.
However, Kuzma isn't the former Wizard that could prove to be the Bucks' X-Factor this coming season.
Instead, former Wizards guard Ryan Rollins is the player that could emerge as the difference-maker for Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks this season.
Ryan Rollins impresses in Bucks first preseason bout
Ryan Rollins began his NBA career at Golden State, but after only 12 games with the Warriors the Toledo product found himself fighting for a roster spot in Washington.
The young guard only played 12 games with the Wizards, where he averaged 4.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists during his stretch in Washington.
Washington opted to waive the backcourt playmaker and while it hasn't come back to haunt them yet, that could change this season.
The Bucks have a glaring whole in the backcourt heading into next season after releasing injured star Damian Lillard earlier in the offseason.
Milwaukee made several moves to fill the void and of the talented players they brought in, Rollins arguably looked like the best guard on the court for the Bucks in the preseason win against the Miami Heat on Monday.
Rollins finished the game with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists, while shooting 50% from the field, including two makes from downtown.
At 23, there's plenty to like about Rollins potential and what he could develop into and with the Bucks needing to find a long-term replacement, they could continually increase Rollins playing time.
As a result, the Wizards may be forced to watch another former player use a fresh start to their advantage and prove Washington missed out on a solid young player.