Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) defend in the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards
Say Hello to: Jared Dudley, Alan Anderson, Gary Neal, Kelly Oubre Jr.
Farewell: Paul Pierce
’14-’15 record: 46-36
All together now: BOO! OK, that’s out of our system, so let’s try to be objective.
The Wizards were not a fluke last year, and should be playoff-bound once again. They boast a sound mix of youth and veterans, led by John Wall and Marcin Gortat. A team with strength at point guard and centre won’t have too much trouble winning once they have fleshed out the other positions. Bradley Beal should be an All-Star shooting guard before too long, and Otto Porter looks like a man on the rise at small forward.
Like the Raptors, the Wiz will fill the power forward slot with a committee. Nene can still play, but not too many minutes. Drew Gooden and DeJuan Blair won’t do any harm.
I like their bench, as veterans Ramon Sessions and Alan Anderson can shoot and defend.
This team isn’t a championship contender, but they will at least duplicate last year’s record, and could surpass it.
Next: 1. Soaring high once again