Looking back at what the Washington Wizards did right and wrong during the 2018 NBA offseason, including free agency and the draft
The Washington Wizards entered the 2017-18 NBA season with high expectations of becoming a real threat in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play lead to the team having a 43-39 record and the 8th seed in the playoffs.
The Wizards did manage to force a Game 6 before being eliminated by the Toronto Raptors.
Entering the offseason, the Wizards organization knew it needed to fix the chemistry issue that had become a real problem in the locker room. That’s when Washington traded center Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Austin Rivers.
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Gortat and John Wall had their issues and Gortat seemed more than ready to move on to a new team. In Rivers, the Wizards have a player who can play either guard position which is important given the Wizards injury history.
The Wizards drafted Troy Brown and Issuf Sanon in the 2018 NBA draft and Brown looked like a real find by the Wizards based on his summer league play. Washington also signed Dwight Howard and Jeff Green to offset the loss of Gortat and Mike Scott, who signed with the Clippers.
Entering the 2018 season, the Wizards will have several new faces and the organization hopes that with it comes better chemistry. Washington will also need John Wall to not only stay healthy but to improve his play. Last season was a disappointment for the All-Star and he should bounce back this upcoming season.
The Wizards don’t have the look of a serious threat on paper but the team has talent and if the chemistry improves the Wizards could give a higher seed a real fight come playoff time.
The young trio of Wall, Beal and Porter should give the Wizards a solid core but once again chemistry will be key for the Wizards this upcoming season.