WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 24: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Capital One Arena on November 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards: Curing the dysfunction in D.C.
The Washington Wizards aren’t off to the best start in 2018-19. Is a trade on the way or is something bigger in the works?
The Washington Wizards are still one dysfunctional bunch 19 games into the season, with a 7-12 record. According to recent reports, things came to a head with a heated practice in which some not-so-nice things were said by point guard John Wall to head coach Scott Brooks. Wall has since been fined.
The Wizards have lost three of their last five games and there’s a different feel with this group that hasn’t been a good one. They looked liked they righted the ship somewhat against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night in a 124-114 victory.
Otto Porter Jr. finished the game with a season-high 29 points, in what was his first 20-plus point game of the year. Porter had his best game of the season, shooting 12-of-15 from the field to go along with seven rebounds and four assists.
The Pelicans were without Anthony Davis, but Julius Randle stepped up in his place with 29 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Without Davis, New Orleans was still a competitive bunch, but the Wizards held them off at every run.
Wall finished with 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Shooting guard Bradley Beal finished with 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds. The effort was there, but for how long? Washington is a team that seems to get in its own way and this season, it looks like they’re sick of each other.
Even after coming back from being down 23 points and stealing a 125-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers last Tuesday, things were off from the very beginning. Washington trailed 40-21 at home and the effort looked lackluster at best. The Wizards went on to outscore the Clippers 71-45 to win in the second half, but things won’t always go their way every night against other opponents.
For example, they staged a comeback against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, but ended up losing in the end, 125-107. In that game, Toronto outscored them 38-26 in the first quarter. The Wiz dug a hole for themselves and were unable to get out of it. In the East, that won’t be good enough to get them in the postseason.
One positive adjustment that’s been made is bringing Markieff Morris off the bench. He’s one guy that’s seemed to understand his role on this team. As a reserve, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game, well above his numbers in the starting rotation.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is still adjusting to life in the starting rotation, however. He’s averaging 9.3 points per game and shooting 37.8 percent from the field through four appearances as a starter.
More adjustments in the form of roster moves could be on the way for the Wizards. Recent reports said all players were up for trade discussions, including Wall and Bradley Beal. Most likely, both will end up staying put, but it will be interesting to see if any moves are made before the trade deadline.
Washington is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference standings and in need of something new. Recent rumors have shown the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to shop Markelle Fultz, so the Wizards may want to inquire about his services. After all, Fultz attended DeMatha High School in Washington D.C. during his prep career. Maybe a return home will revamp his career and reignite a struggling franchise.
