NBA: One x-factor for every team heading into the restart

Washington Wizards

X-factor: Rui Hachimura 

With David Bertans not participating in the restart and Bradley Beal likely not playing to the full extent, there might not be plenty of expectations for the Washington Wizards when the restart begins. Even at full strength, the Wizards might not have enough talent to compete with other teams in the playoff picture at the moment.

Still, the restart will provide the Wizards with the opportunity to earn some valuable experience for their young players. Specifically, Rui Hachimura. That’s why he could emerge as an x-factor for the Wizards. He’s had an up-and-down rookie season, but with an expanded role, Hachimura could emerge as a core player for this team moving forward.

Before the hiatus, Hachimura was averaging 13 points and six rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field. While he was still very much a work in progress on the defensive end, the restart will provide him extra (and perhaps extended) playing time to continue to grow as a young player for the Wizards.