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NBA: 10 early observations of the 2017-18 season

By Evan Dyal

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on October 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game Seven of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Washington can be first in the East

Most people thought Cleveland would be the one seed in the East once the season started. People were even more confident in that pick when Gordon Hayward went down for the year. We know Cleveland is struggling to work in some new old players in their rotation, plus they don’t take the regular season injury. That leaves the door open for another sleeping giant in the East. The Washington Wizards.

Washington was a four seed last season, with one significant weakness the bench. They upgraded it in the offseason, and why still not great, its much improved. Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks, and Mike Scott have been nice additions plus a healthy Ian Mahinmi have all made a difference. Plus third-year forward Kelly Oubre Jr has looked much improved.

The Wiz are off to a 3-1 start, and that is without starting power forward Markieff Morris. Washington is mainly doing it with offense; they are fourth in the league in offensive efficiency after three games. Last year besides the bench, the defense was their weakness. This year they are improved, ranking 15th in the league, up from 22nd from last year. Honestly, they only need to be around average on defense, because their offense is so good. Washington can straight up run teams off the floor with pace, ball movement and dominating the offensive glass.

They are 9th in pace, 9th in assists, 8th in offensive rebounding, and 8th in true shooting percentage. Well, they were before a dud in a loss at the Lakers. John Wall is not even shooting well yet. Once he gets going and Morris comes back, watch out for the Wizards. Morris will help solidify the rotation and make the Wizards play one less bench guy.

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