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
Washington Wizards
Last Year’s Outcome: 46-36, L, Second Round
Best-Case Scenario: Reach Eastern Conference Finals
Why: In order to proclaim this upcoming season a success for the Washington Wizards, they’re going to need to take their success one step further in the playoffs. That means, after last year’s playoff run, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
While that certainly won’t be easy, if the Wizards can avoid the Cavaliers’ bracket, it’ll be possible. And depending how the Eastern Conference seeding pans out, they might actually have a solid chance at getting it done.
Worst-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: If there’s one thing that the Wizards simply can’t afford to do, it’s take a step back. Not with the expectation that their young core players, John Wall and Bradley Beal, will continue to develop this season. Though, depending on health, I highly doubt that the Wizards, at the very least, won’t be able to muster another first round playoff series win this season.
I predict the Wizards to be one of the four best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, so unless they plan on getting upset in the first round, the Wizards should be fine.
What Will Probably Happen: Second Round Playoff Exit
Why: The Wizards will make the playoffs and win their first round series. After that, a lot is going to depend on how much Wall and Beal progress this season. They can put-together a conference finals run, but Beal is really going to have to take a huge step this season. I simply don’t see that.