May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) react against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
6. Washington Wizards
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 38.1
Losing Paul Pierce hurt Washington. There is just no way of getting around it; his big shot making capability and veteran leadership will be sorely missed. Don’t fret Wizards fans, things are not all that bleak.
The front office in Washington did a great job in trying to fill Pierce’s shoes. Gary Neal will provide a much-needed spark off of the bench and also a solid outside shooting touch.
Mar 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard
Jared Dudley(9) drives in against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Ramon Sessions also provides a steady hand backing up John Wall at the point guard position, and both Garrett Temple and Martell Webster offer the capability to come off the bench and play spot minutes when needed.
Rookie Kelly Oubre does not figure do get too many minutes early on, due to the fact that the Wizards also signed Alan Anderson. He does have great potential and is extremely young, so if things fall correctly he may be able to gain some minutes.
The backup big man 3-headed monster in Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair and Drew Gooden offer up a capable rotation. Though, the one concern is the lack of athleticism on that front line. If Nene and Marcin Gortat go down with an injury, it will be curious to see how those guys will perform.
Perhaps the most integral part of the Wizards bench is newly acquired Jared Dudley. The veteran forward will play a major role as an insurance policy in case Otto Porter development phase doesn’t pan out. He offers versatility, as well as being a career 40 percent 3-point shooter.
Washington has a great to chance to move up in the standings this season. If John Wall and Bradley Beal can lead this team, the talented bench will follow eagerly.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks