The most surprising team in the NBA: The Washington Wizards
11.14.21
Jaden Rivers
With the new foul changes, a multitude of players have looked different. Players like James Harden, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum and other elite scorers like Bradley Beal. This fact makes the Wizards an interesting case as even clear star Bradley Beal is lagging behind the pack. Yet the Wizards still stand as #1 in the Eastern conference with a record of 9-3. Let’s take a deep dive on this team, it’s highs and lows, and where this team should project by the postseason
The Star - Bradley Beal
Anyone who’s seen the NBA in the past 3 years knows of the Bradley Beal situation in Washington. In the past 3 seasons (excluding 21-22) The wizard guard had averaged 29.1 pts on a 47.1 Fg% and 58.4 TS%. This lands him just above scorers like Jayson Tatum, and slightly below Kyrie Irving. Bradley has been a prolific scorer but has truly kicked it up a notch within these last few seasons. But with that being said Bradley has been struggling at the start of the season like most stars. With a career low FG% of 40 on 21.6 Attmpts and 25% from 3 point land Beal is definitely having a rough start. But to believe with him lagging the wizards sit with the best record goes to show the new additions and how they’ve responded as a unit.
The Offseason
The Wizards surely went shopping in the offseason, revamping there starting lineup while adding good depth to the roster. With the two main pickups being Montrezl Harrel and Spencer Dinwiddie. Along with 3 and D player Kentavious caldwell pope, Complementary scorer and rebounder in Kyle Kuzma the Wizards had a productive offseason in regards to not losing any key players while adding needed pieces for a playoff spot. Dinwiddie coming off of an ACL tear he’s picked up pretty much where they left off in that starting 1 position. Averaging 16 pts on shooting splits of 43.2 FG%, 36.1 3p%, and 96.4% from the free throw stripe. On the other hand Montrezl Harrel has been nothing short of outstanding. After a disappointing stint with the Lakers, trez is looking like good ol 'trez. On splits of 18.3 pts, 9.2 reb, on 65% from the field and 84.2 from the free throw line.
Overview
The Wizards, currently a top 10 defense and top 15 offense have also played some competent teams as well. A respectable Raptors, Nets, Knicks, Celtics, Milwaukee and other talented teams. Despite those teams strugglings the Wizards have pulled together a solid run to establish them as an eastern conference team. When Bradley returns to his normal self it’s safe to say the Wizards are moving in the right direction.