As of February 15, 2021, the Washington Wizards hold the lowest record in the Eastern Conference of the NBA, with a ratio of 7 wins to 17 losses. The team has a win percentage of .292, the 2nd lowest in the entire league.
Prior to the season, former MVP (Most Valuable Player) award recipient and perennial All-Star Russel Westbrook was traded to the Wizards by the Houston Rockets in exchange for former All-Star John Wall and a 2023 first-round draft pick. With this new addition to the roster, the Wizards expected to reach the playoffs and potentially be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Despite a rocky start to the season, the Wizards have been trending up as of late.
On January 10th, team officials determined that Thomas Bryant, the starting center for the Wizards, had suffered a season ending ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury in a prior game against the Miami Heat. The 23-year-old played a key role in the Wizards offensive scheme and long-term plans.
In addition to this, Westbrook suffered a left quadriceps injury early in the season, leading to a serious dip in performance and minutes played for the Wizards star for the opening weeks. The Wizards have also suffered from multiple members being diagnosed with Covid-19, leading to a six game stretch of postponed games.
In addition to Covid-19 and injuries, the Wizards have continued their defensive struggles that have been present over the last few years. Washington is one of the worst in the league in terms of defensive rating, allowing more than 112 points per 100 possessions. This defensive performance stems from the lack of defensive-minded players on the Wizards, as well as a lack of defensive-focus from younger players such as Rui Hachimura early on.
These ineffective defensive rotations have been blamed mostly on the Wizards head coach, Scott Brooks. He is most commonly criticized for having inconsistent and nonsensical rotations. Sources have said Scott Brooks is on the hot seat this season. Hiring a coach who is known for defensive prowess would certainly help bolster the Wizards record.
As for the Wizards’ star duo, Beal and Westbrook, both players have played key roles in the Wizards’ rejuvenation. Beal has been leading the NBA in points per game with 32.8. On the other hand, Westbrook has been the heartbeat for the team, providing tenacious play and great leadership on the court. Westbrook’s high motor and love for the game is evident in the stat sheet, with game averages of about 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The gravity surrounding both players has attracted much attention to trade rumors, but Beal has indicated he does not want to be traded, while Westbrook will more than likely stay put. If the Wizards do wish to trade Beal and Westbrook, they would ideally push for younger players with proven upside and draft capital.
Over the last two weeks, the Wizards have continued to push for more success in the regular season. Despite resting at last place in the opening months of the NBA season, the Wizards have won seven of their last eight games, while rattling off their first five-game winning streak since 2018. They’ve achieved victories against some of the best teams in the league, including the Trail Blazers, twice against the Nuggets, and a 17-point comeback victory against the (defending champions) Los Angeles Lakers. As of February 28th, the Wizards are tied for the 11th seed in the East, but are just 1.5 games out of eighth place, and only 2.5 out of fourth.
Regardless of the result, however, the Wizards may want to replace Scott Brooks, and focus on a coach that has a proven track record when it comes to player development, such as Kenny Atkinson or Wes Unseld Jr. The development of the Wizards’ younger players, such as Rui Hachimura or Deni Avdija, will be crucial in order for Washington to have more success in future seasons.
While the Wizards’ season appeared to be a let down based on the expectations that they received early on, it seems things are on the rise. Whether the team can continue this stretch of great play will determine if Washington will be sitting home in a close Eastern Conference race.
Article by Abdullah Radid of Walter Johnson High School
Photo Courtesy of EssentiallySports