The Washington Wizards have an abundance of issues on their hands after yet another underwhelming start to the season.
Between sophomore struggles, injury woes and inconsistent veteran play, head coach Brian Keefe has had his hands full when it comes to coaching the Wizards.
However, one issue in specific that has quietly continued to build behind the scenes is the Cam Whitmore problem that has become one that Washington will be forced to deal with sooner rather than later.
After inconsistent play led to unmet standards behind closed doors, Keefe and the coaching staff were forced to issue consequences which led to his benching.
Obviously, Whitmore is a former first round pick, who's upside would be far worth the cheap price the Wizards paid this offseason if he managed to tap into his potential.
Despite that, his off-the-court issues have been the exact reason for his failed tenure with the Houston Rockets and now what seems to be like a botched fresh start for the Maryland native with his hometown squad.
Fortunately for Washington, their out for the growing Whitmore problem could come at the expense of a seperate problem developing in the Western Conference.
Jonathan Kuminga saga may open door on Whitmore out
Jonathan Kuminga is yet another high-upside forward that the Wizards checked in on this offseason prior to the decision to take the swing on Whitmore.
Part of the reason Washington opted to move forward with the Whitmore acquisition was the ridiculously low price for the forward, but also because of the steep price it would take to land the restricted free agent in a deal with the Golden State Warriors.
However, fast forward to now, Kuminga looks destined to be traded when he becomes eligible to be dealt in mid-January and Washington could be a landing spot that gives him the immediate role to lead an offense he's desperately been searching for.
Between the veteran contracts at Washington's disposal, and the young talent on the roster, including Whitmore, the Wizards could put together a deal that entices Golden State enough to finally move on from their former lottery pick.
Landing Kuminga to pair in the frontcourt alongside Alex Sarr would be the exact duo that could put the Wizards one step closer to competing.
As for Whitmore, he would be given yet another fresh starts with one of the best head coaches in the NBA with Steve Kerr.