The Washington Wizards, like us, are on the couch watching the NBA postseason unfold.
Despite that, the team continues to be discussed about issues within the playoffs that seem to link back to them.
First, the Wizards were being borderline blamed about the poor play of Kyle Kuzma for the Milwaukee Bucks in the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. And when I say "borderline blamed", I'm talking specifically about the one person who blamed the Wizards culture of "meangingless basketball" as being the primary culprit for Kuzma's struggles: Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins comments about the Wizards culture ultimately being a cause for the Bucks' forward's horrid play is one thing. Ironically, the thing that interest me the most is the fact that the biggest issue the Bucks are having in the postseason right now is linked to the Wizards, but it's not Kuzma.
Bucks are missing Khris Middleton
The Bucks move to land Kuzma at the trade deadline in February ultimately cost them Khris Middleton. At the time, the deal was in efforts to get younger at the wing position, but what the team didn't factor in was the championship experience and the leadership that they were shipping away in return.
So far through this series against the Pacers, the absence of Middleton is looking major. Milwaukee doesn't have a level-headed veteran alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo who's been there and done that. A veteran that can slow down the pace and make big shots. And their probably only worsens with the absence of Damian Lillard following his season-ending injury on Sunday night.
Down 3-1 in the series against Indiana, it seems like the absence of Middleton us what will be the Bucks downfall.
On the flip side, the presence of Middleton on the Wizards roster is a problem of its own for Washington.
Wizards have to move on from Middleton
The Wizards brought in Middleton in return, and at the time the thought of veteran leadership for the team's young core and the idea of trading him for a bigger return down the road seemed like a good idea. Not to mention the inclusion of former first-round pick AJ Johnson and draft capital sweetened the deal.
However, the plan seemingly went sideways when Middleton suited up for the Wizards and he struggled to stay on the floor. And when he was on the floor, he didn't exactly showcase that he's worth the lucrative contract he's on.
Now, with Middleton set to pick-up his $34 million player option, there's a high chance that the Wizards moving on from the forward will be extremely difficult.