As the fourth week of the 2021-2022 NBA season comes to a close, many are surprised to see the Washington Wizards sitting second in the Eastern Conference. With 11 wins through the first 15 games under new head coach Wes Unseld Jr, the Wizards seem poised for a deep playoff run if they can continue this level of play throughout the season.
According to BleacherReport, the Wizards’ offseason was among the best in the NBA, achieving a grade of A- from NBA experts and analysts. The most notable of the offseason moves was a 5-team trade between the Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs.
Washington shipped out veteran point guard Russel Westbrook and forward Chandler Hutchison and received forward Kyle Kuzma, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, center Montrezl Harrell, guard Spencer Dinwiddie, and guard Aaron Holiday. The Wizards also received the draft rights to guard Isaiah Todd, who was selected 31st overall.
Washington also received one of the best draft grades. With the 15th overall pick, the Wizards were able to select forward Corey Kispert out of Gonzaga University. Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard was delighted that Kispert fell in the draft, as he was the target the whole time.
“Corey’s elite shooting ability addresses a need we had identified coming into the draft and his high basketball IQ and winning attitude will give him the chance to compete at the NBA level right away,” Sheppard said.
Despite the abundance of new faces in the Washington locker room, the Wizards’ team chemistry has looked spot on early on. All-Star guard Bradley Beal has made big jumps in his playmaking ability since last year; he is currently averaging 5.6 assists per game as compared to his previous 4.4. Beal has also improved this season in his ability to find the open man and make the extra pass, several leading to game-winning shots. Additionally, new faces are already making incredible impacts: Montrezl Harrell is already making himself a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging 18.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game off the bench.
Caleb Kim, a student at Clarksburg High School, believes that Harrell’s impact on both ends of the floor is the reason for Washington’s winning record. “Harrell’s ability to score on offense paired with his ability to lock down the opposing big men is one of the biggest reasons for our hot streak,” he said. “Role players like Montrezl who can do what he does off the bench make the biggest impact on a team’s success.”
Kyle Kuzma’s performance is also a hot topic this year. In his previous seasons with the Lakers, Kuzma was often ridiculed for his play style; however, with the Wizards, Kuzma finally got his opportunity to shine. Kuzma is nearly averaging a double-double and has his highest points per game since 2018. He has also hit several shots in clutch moments to put the Wizards on top. Overall, Kuzma’s new role in D.C. has allowed his game to shine in a way that no one could’ve anticipated.
The biggest improvement to the Wizards’ play is the defense. Wes Unseld Jr., a former assistant defensive coach for the Denver Nuggets, has brought life to Washington’s defense after they finished 17th in overall defensive rating in the 2020-2021 season. Additionally, last year’s first-round pick, Deni Avdija, returned this year after suffering a season-ending ankle injury last year. Avdija has led Washington’s defensive charge, locking down superstars like James Harden and Jaylen Brown. Bradley Beal has also improved his defense, which was perhaps the only true weakness of his game in years past. Overall, Coach Unseld’s defensive adjustments have propelled the Wizards to a fifth best defensive rating.
If the Wizards can maintain this level of play throughout the season, they could be looking at a deep playoff run. With the upcoming returns of Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant, who are recovering from injuries, the team will only get better. After years of mediocrity and disappointing seasons, Washington has officially established itself as a team to be reckoned with in the East.
Written by Jay Matta of Sherwood High School
Logo by the Washington Wizards