The Washington Wizards (15-67) are removed from its worst statistical season in franchise history. Furthermore, Washington struggled in all aspects on the court last season. The 15-win franchise ranked dead-last in rebounding (41.0 per game) and last in points allowed per game (123.0). Additionally, the franchise fired former head coach Wes Unseld Jr. after a 7-36 start back in January. After all the hardship, the Wizards are trending in the right direction as the franchise aims to claw its way back to relevancy.
Are The Washington Wizards Trending In The Right Direction?
Brian Keefe Officially Named Head Coach
Wizards’ former assistant coach Brian Keefe took over at the helm when Unseld Jr. was fired. Under Keefe, the Wizards went 8-31, but the unit seemed rejuvenated and revived under him. Prominent young players such as forward Deni Avdija, forward Corey Kispert, and guard Bilal Coulibaly ended up playing solid basketball and showed flashes of their potential as they mature more in the league.
Keefe is known to develop young talent throughout his near 20-year NBA coaching career. The Wizards head coach initially spent nine seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant. Keefe is accredited for the development of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, respectively (all former MVPs). Keefe then returned to Oklahoma City in 2019 and was responsible for the growth of Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander (two-time All-NBA First Team).
The Wizards have promising young players on its roster and Keefe can tap into their potential. Furthermore, the Wizards have the No.2 pick in the NBA draft. Keefe’s expertise is essential for whoever is picked.
On the outside looking in, it seemed as though there weren’t solid candidates for the vacant head coaching job. Keefe always appeared to be the obvious option for a franchise that needs a change in culture and growth in player development.
But Who Should The Wizards Pick in The Draft?
Washington secured its draft status due to the fortunate events at the annual NBA Draft Lottery. The 67-loss unit desperately needed good news after an infamous campaign, but who should the Wizards select at the No. 2 spot?
The Wizards could use talent on all fronts and this selection will be one of the most important picks in franchise history. The 2024 Draft isn’t as strong as previous ones, but players such as Reed Sheppard, Alexandre Sarr, Nikola Topic, and Rob Dillingham all seem like formidable choices. Washington needs to select a player whose ceiling is sky-scraping and can be the cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild.
If Washington selects Sarr or even UConns’ Donovan Clingan, the unit will need a solid point guard who can play make at a high level. Wizards’ guard Tyus Jones is solid as a distributor. However, Jones is an impending free agent and teams are interested in the former Duke Blue Devil. Moreover, guard Jordan Poole had an underwhelming campaign overall, but saw semi-success when brought off the bench towards the end of the season. If Poole embraces his role as one of the team’s leaders, perhaps he could be more of an asset rather than a liability like he was last season. Poole showed flashes of being an effective playmaker, but his attitude and body language contributed to the unit’s overall approach.
The 2024 Draft will mark Washington’s first pick in the top-2 since having selected John Wall in 2010.
What Value Can Washington Get for Kyle Kuzma?
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is one of Washington’s best players, despite its subpar record. Kuzma led the Wizards in scoring last season by having scored 22.2 points per game. Additionally, Kuzma averaged 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 70 games, respectively. The 2017 draft pick served as the team’s veteran leader since the departure of former Wizard Bradley Beal. However, what would be the benefit of the Wizards keeping Kuzma going forward?
Yes, Kuzma is a solid 20 points-per-game scorer, but his overall impact hasn’t improved Washington’s situation whatsoever. Kuzma would be best suited as a third or fourth option on a contending team that needs a reliable scorer. Furthermore, the former Los Angeles Laker will be 29 years of age prior to the season, so his athletic prime is gradually waning as he heads into his eighth campaign.
At this present time, there is still solid value in a team acquiring Kuzma. Teams such as the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and perhaps the reigning NBA Champion Denver Nuggets could use Kuzma’s production. The Wizards can get valuable assets if they move Kuzma before the season. The Washington front office should continue to find ways to better the team now and in the future. Washington shipping out Kuzma aids that on both fronts.
The Last Word: The Washington Wizards Are Trending In The Right Direction
The Washington Wizards are definitely heading in the right direction with the moves they’ve been making lately. Keefe should help establish a positive culture going forward and the franchise is set to snag one of the top prospects in the world in the upcoming draft.
Washington has only participated in the postseason once over the past seven seasons and recently finished with a franchise-low 15 wins last season. After being at a low point for so long, the only way to go is up, right?
