If the Washington Wizards are serious about competing with Trae Young at the helm next season, they need to find what the Detroit Pistons haven’t been able to give Cade Cunningham quite yet: A secondary scorer. Anthony Davis can do it, but his health can’t be depended on. And AJ Dybantsa will be a rookie.
Perhaps one of those guys will be ready to step up to the plate. Maybe Tre Johnson can do it. Or maybe Kyshawn George will take a big-time leap next season. Or Alex Sarr. No matter who it ends up being, it’s what the Wizards need. Young can’t carry the offense by himself as Cunningham has in Detroit.
The Wizards need to find him someone who can help.
Wizards need to give Trae Young the offensive support Cade Cunningham hasn't had
Just look at what happened to Cunningham and the Pistons in the playoffs this year. They were bounced in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and offense was a huge issue.
Tobias Harris provided them with solid offense throughout the postseason, but that well dried up. Caris LeVert had a few moments. Daniss Jenkins did, too.
But for the most part, it was all up to Cunningham. If he wasn’t putting the ball through the net, the Pistons didn’t have the right support system to win with their offense.
Jaden Ivey could have been that guy, but he didn’t pan out. Ron Hollans wasn’t exactly an offensive-minded draft selection. Neither was Ausar Thompson, though he’s an elite defender.
So, if the Wizards plan on trying to make the playoffs in the East next year, they need to ensure that Young has the right support system behind him on the offensive end.
Again, they may already have it. Davis can score the ball well when he’s healthy, but that’s a big contention point. Dybantsa should be able to fill it up (if they take him No. 1).
But Dybantsa hasn’t had to be the second-scoring option on a playoff team. He’s a rookie. Johnson and George haven’t played winning NBA basketball yet. And Davis’ ability to stay on the court is a real question mark.
So, what do the Wizards do? Well, maybe they could sign a couple of extra guys who could help on the offensive end. Safety valves. Guys who can support Young.
They need to be prepared. Because if they want to win in the postseason, they need to avoid what happened to Cunningham and the Pistons this year.
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