Wizards: 10 thoughts on the first quarter of the season

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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NBA Washington Wizards
NBA Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura and Ish Smith (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

The Wizards finally have a bench

Remember when the Wizards could never find a bench? In the five seasons that John Wall was an all-star (2014-18), the team was 8.3 points worse per 100 possessions when he sat. The John Wall backup point guard carousel throughout the years runs almost as deep as the Bill Walsh coaching tree.

It took long enough, but the Wizards finally have some pieces that they can work with on the second-unit. Ish Smith is ramping up the pace, and hitting jumpers like he never has before. The Bertans/Wagner European frontcourt has been eviscerating teams (offensively).

Jordan McRae has even had his moments. Too bad C.J. Miles looked washed before going down with a likely season-ending wrist injury.