Two weeks ago, on a Wednesday night in Philadelphia, the Washington Wizards’ season flipped on its head. Phones suddenly became ablaze. Murmurs spread throughout the stands. And a rebuilding team became infinitely more exciting, with five words: “Wizards Trade for Trae Young”.
The move promised a new era of Wizards basketball, an immediate help for what’s been the 26th-ranked offense in offensive efficiency, per ESPN's John Hollinger.
The issue? That help hasn’t been immediate. Young is set to miss games up until the All-Star break, putting a damper on the excitement.
The Wizards have needed to rely on their youth to step up offensively this month, especially now without CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to generate offense. The results so far have left more questions than answers, but could promise some encouraging signs for the near future.
Wizards young core may embrace increased responsibility
The easiest place to point to when looking for a boost in offense is the Wizards’ most recently drafted guards, both of whom were selected as score-first players.
Both Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson have shown flashes throughout this season as future cornerstones, with their minutes steadily increasing over the last month.
Johnson specifically has fit seamlessly into the starting lineup, giving the team a boost with his proficiency from the 3-point arc. His ability to move as an off-ball shooter can give the offense a spark, especially when playing with a more ball-dominant player like Carrington.
The gravity that Johnson draws, even without the ball in his hands, allows Washington to attack the paint. In addition, the opportunities he opens up for frontcourt options like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George by drawing in the defense, that stood out.
Bub’s improvement has been subtle in year two, but his continued expansion as a 3-point shooter opens up new avenues for the Wizards. Carrington has improved to a 41% 3-point shooter, forcing defenses to have to guard him tightly from the perimeter, and opening up potential for his lightning-quick dribble drive.
While Bub's efficiency at the rim has yet to improve, it's almost assured that the improved shooting will make him even more dangerous. Nights like his recent game against the Hornets, in which he knocked down five threes, showcase the threat that he can present for any defense, on any given night.
The improvement of both players makes it seem as if the transition period without Young will be seamless. Both, however, are seriously lacking in skills as creators, making the Wizards’ offense sometimes seem stagnant. Without the playmaking skills of McCollum, turnovers seem to be a realistic concern.
Carrington has certainly attempted to take on some of the load, his assist percentage increasing over the last 10 games. But the key will be young forward Kyshawn George.
George has shown a knack for facilitating, taking on much more of the ball-handling duties offensively of late. While his court awareness needs work, George has the talent as a passer to show improvement, with flashes in his 7-assist nights against Denver and Charlotte. With a true “glue guy” offensively, Washington could truly shine.
The Wizards will continue to have a lot of questions in the absence of Young. But promising play from their young players will help ease concerns, both for now and the future, in Washington.