The Washington Wizards matchup against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night carries plenty of offseason implications as both team's tanking efforts continue to keep the race at the bottom of the NBA standings extremely tight.
Washington entered this matchup extremely shorthanded as the team was forced to start a pair of two-way players and several raw prospects, which alone seemed like the perfect formula for the team to put up a fight to out-tank the Jazz.
However, following the first half performance from two-way standout and undrafted rookie Julian Reese, Washington's offseason dreams may be on its way to receiving yet another major wrinkle.
Julian Reese took 13 minutes to post a dominant stat line
Entering halftime, the Wizards found themselves in the midst of a blowout over the Jazz, winning 72-45.
Still, the conversation at the half was less about Washington's major lead and more about the dominant peformance from Reese, who was up to 18 points and 10 rebounds on 8-for-9 shooting from field goal range.
The Maryland product has continuously flashed in his extended opportunities with the Wizards since signing a two-way contract and after etching his name in the history books alongside the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan earlier this season, the forward has given the team hope that they've found yet another hidden gem.
And if the young prospect continues playing at this level, it'll be hard to deny him a spot in the team's long-term plans.
Nonetheless, Washington won't have much time to make a decision on Reese's future with the team because there's no doubt that when the offseason comes, other organizations will be chomping at the bit to lure the forward out of Washington.
Reese deserves a spot in D.C.
Despite his age or how much talent the team has in the frontcourt, you don't stumple up on impact players like Reese very often.
The former Terrapin plays with a chip on his shoulder, and the opportunity to suit up for his hometown team may be the perfect combination for him to build a strong career for himself.
Between his play and age to fit in alongside the team's young core, Reese has everything needed to earn a standard deal with the Wizards this offseason.
Still, Reese's dominance is putting a major wrinkle in the team's plans.
Wizards are poised to knockoff Jazz
At the moment, Utah trails the Wizards by 4.5 games at the bottom of the NBA standings, which to many may not seem as much of an issue for Washington to add another win to their record and snap their current 16-game losing skid.
However, based on the team's luck in the NBA Draft Lottery over the last few years, Washington's already fearing the worst-case scenario to unfold this offseason.
Reese's dominance has the team in perfect position to knock off the Jazz and hopefully we don't have to come back to this article in the offseason to reflect on Utah stealing yet another ideal Wizards' pick.
Regardless of what happens though, it's clear that the bold claim from Reese's sister and WNBA star Angel Reese is coming more true by the day.