Washington Wizards: A top 3 Eastern Conference team in 2018-19?

The Washington Wizards may find themselves in mediocrity once again in 2018-19, or in a new successful territory

The Washington Wizards are the most dysfunctional playoff team in the NBA.

No matter how hard they try to dig themselves out of this dysfunction they seem to only go deeper. The John Wall and Bradley Beal backcourt are nearing the end of their life cycle together and maybe it’s too late for them to be revived.

However, Ernie Grunfeld, Wizards GM, made a positive move signing Dwight Howard to a two-year deal. Getting Howard is an upgrade to what Marcin Gortat was and that is not debatable. His ability to play intense defense while being able to make the switch on the pick-and-roll improves Washington immensely. Expect the John Wall and Dwight Howard connection to be almost like a marriage with all the easy buckets that will be made.

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The addition of Austin Rivers gives the Wizards an exceptional backup point guard. Sometimes he may iso and thinks that he is similar to Kevin Durant but forgets he is Austin Rivers. And Jeff Green intoxicated Grunfield with a few great performances in the playoffs to find himself on another roster. He is certain to have at least 10-15 Jeff Green games where he gets featured on Sportscenter, maybe.

The hype train for Kelly Oubre Jr. is probably small. Personally, I have been a part of it since he shoved Kelly Olynyk to the floor and since then have rooted for him. His defense is admirable and gets better every year. His length alone gives him instant clamps on anyone that he faces. His jump shot should take off this year and probably will be a candidate for the sixth man of the year. Kelly Oubre Jr. 2018-2019, mark it.

Although Markieff Morris is the starter at the power forward spot, it may make more sense for the Wizards to put Oubre at the starting four. Morris is average and comes off lazy on defense while Oubre plays with an edge. It’s only a suggestion that should be brought up when the word success comes up for the Wizards.

Otto Porter Jr. should continue to follow the trend of what he has done in his career. Getting 15 to 17 points a game and grabbing at least six boards will make the Wizards odds of winning much higher. His defense, hopefully, will also improve to get the Wizards to a unanimous top 10 unit. He’s one of the best role players in the league and may go farther than we expect this year, who knows.

Now I know I may have started this article with a little negativity around Wall and Beal but it has to be done. Now while I sat here typing this article, I thought of the possibility of making some sort of a Beal package going to Minnesota for Jimmy Butler. It’s only a suggestion except for this time it’s simply a suggestion nothing more, nothing less.

But, the Wizards may not need to do something like that just yet. What if John Wall comes right out the gate this year fully healthy hitting shots consistently? John Wall’s game is lightning in a bottle. It’s beautiful artistry that belongs on the side of genius with how he can create for his teammates and himself. It’s even better when he does his signature left-hand dunk where the entire crowd erupts because he did something that is aesthetically pleasing.

Bradley Beal is a bucket. He creates for himself and can shoot with the best of them. This year he will probably start the beginning of his prime and solidify himself as a star in this league. Don’t forget that he can be a playmaker for his teammates too.

But for Wall and Beal to work there is one part of the equation that needs to still be unlocked. The ball needs to be shared more in between them. Although John Wall is the point guard the ball deserves to be in Beal’s hands just as much. Wall will still be able to find other teammates and get his own but Beal deserves more. Imagine Porter or Howard featured pick-and-rolls where Beal can stop on a dime and guarantee you at least two points with an open look.

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If John Wall does indeed add a consistent jumper this year, the Wizards will honestly take off. Scott Brooks should implement new plays to feature Beal more and the Wizards will be something legitimate.

The Washington Wizards will be inside the top three of the Eastern Conference standings this year as long as they stay healthy. For once, the Wizards have a bench where the starters can get actual rest and finish every opponent off with ease. The Wizards are the sleeper team of the year and may finally go farther than their usual.

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