While preparing to find its former leader, John Wall, absent from the courts for two years, the franchise of the capital made the bet Russell Westbrook. The success of the Wizards and a possible return to the playoffs will depend on the latter’s good relationship with the new team boss, Bradley Beal.
SEASON FOR SOLOIST
The Wizards’ 2019-20 season could be summed up in two words: Bradley Beal. With a John Wall still blocked in the infirmary, the rear has taken another step forward by completing the first exercise of his career with more than 30 points on average. Bradley Beal, whose points average has increased by eight units in just three seasons, has established himself as the undisputed boss of this team and one of the all-best scorers in the NBA.
A high-flying season that did not prevent him from being shunned in the last All-Star game, then the All-NBA Teams. Blame it on too poor a collective balance sheet. With a workforce lacking talent at all levels, Bradley Beal, both top scorer and passer (more than 6 assists on average, a career record), found himself too lonely.
With only 25 wins on the clock, Washington still had a tiny chance of qualifying for the playoffs until the end. Thanks to their 9th place in the East at the time of the resumption, the Wizards were invited to the Orlando “bubble” to play eight more games. An anecdotal Florida experience for them, who won only one meeting there and ended the campaign on a free wheel.
Logical because Bradley Beal was, in turn, on the sidelines and the second best striker of the team, and a real revelation of their season, Davis Bertans, preferred not to resume, with the prospect of signing a huge contract during the off-season. Already with these two, it was going to be complicated …
A YOUTH WHO WANTS TO BE ASSERTED
This streak at least allowed some Wizards players to show off. Alongside a Troy Brown Jr. who displayed handyman potential, Thomas Bryant upped his averages to 19 points and 9 rebounds in Orlando. Considering the state of the Wizards’ racquet for the coming season, modestly bolstered by Robin Lopez, the former Lakers player has yet another good opportunity to position himself as the local interior of the future.
This also applies to the Japanese Rui Hachimura who has had a solid rookie season. By increasing his offensive production, especially behind the arc (only 29% success), he could settle as the third scorer expected behind the pair Bradley Beal – Russell Westbrook.
Speaking of long distance address, we will obviously follow the performance of Latvian Davis Bertans. Widely coveted in recent months, the former Spurs player is now the team’s third biggest salary. Will he manage to justify this change of status by showing himself as skilful as last season?
Finally, to stay in this international segment, let us quote the Israeli Deni Avdija. With his experience with Maccabi Tel Aviv, the 9th pick of the last Draft is expected as one of the most “NBA ready” players. “ Of all the prospects we are going to talk about, he is the most experienced and the player most ready for high-level basketball. “, Recently released David Blatt, the former coach of Cleveland, about him. If this impression is confirmed, Washington could afford an additional weapon and aim high enough in the Eastern Conference.
There remains all the same the thorny question of defense. The Wizards were thus only 29th in the field last year and if the five major should speak the powder in attack, there is a good chance that they do not stop many people on the other side of the. ground. It’s up to Scott Brooks to try to find a certain balance…
THE SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Russell Westbrook, Deni Avdija, Davis Bertans, Robin Lopez (Bucks), Raul Neto (Sixers), Anthony Gill
Departures: John Wall et Jerian Grant (Rockets), Ian Mahinmi (?), Shabazz Napier (?), Johnathan Williams (Galatasaray)
PLAYER TO WATCH: RUSSELL WESTBROOK
He appeared rather smiling and relaxed during his introductory press conference. We imagine, however, that Russell Westbrook must boil internally. Thunder, Rockets then Wizards: in a few months, the leader knows his third franchise. An instability never seen for a former MVP, crowned, we recall, only three years ago.
The concern is that it has multiplied the disappointments in recent years. Despite an incredible pile of statistics and triple-doubles, Russell Westbrook struggled to keep the Thunder head above water after the departure of Kevin Durant, chaining the eliminations in the first round of the playoffs. His association with Paul George did not work out as much as hoped. Ditto in Houston with James Harden.
What will it be with Bradley Beal? What hierarchy between the two men? ” The only adjustment possible is that I like playing the ball more than a few years ago, and it will have to do the same as with Paul George, Kevin Durant and James Harden. “, Has already warned the rear.
The key man at the heart of this duo will undoubtedly be Scott Brooks. If the coach manages to channel his former mad dog in Oklahoma City, and define a clear role for the two men, Washington will then emerge as a legitimate candidate for the playoffs.
