July 1, 201313 yr Since the arrival of John Wall I have started following the Wizards a lot more, in the last couple of seasons you could even say they may be my favorite team in the NBA. I like the Heat because of Lebron, but as far as favoring a team I like Washington perhaps more so than Miami. I have never really had a favorite NBA team, although I have always liked the teams my favorite players have played on. The Wizards have went through a tough, slow rebuilding process but I think its about to pay off finally. After starting 6-26 last season without Wall, they ended up posting .500 number after Wall returned. That 25-25 mark was also with many injuries to key pieces such as Brad Beal, Nene, Ariza, Okafor, and others. At the end of last season Wall was playing like one of the leagues best PG's, the player he was supposed to have been ever since being chosen #1 in the draft. Now after drafting Brad Beal and Otto Porter Jr. in back to back drafts with the #3 pick, the Wiz look to be on the move toward a playoff spot.
July 1, 201313 yr Author They have made FA Martell Webster a top priority this off-season and just offered him a new deal. Strong interest in Webster to return, if so I'm really starting to like this team. Webster was one of the best 3pt shooters in the league last season and having his fire power back potentially off the bench will be huge. Potential lineup..... Wall Beal Porter Nene Okafor Martell Webster (2G/SF)(scoring 6th man) Trevor Ariza (2G/SF) (defensive/athletic wing) Kevin Seraphin (PF/C) (Young big with lots of potential) Trevor Booker (PF) Jan Vesely (PF) Not a bad start. Need a couple more signings to sure up the bench, primarily a stretch 4 but that is a pretty good young squad.
July 1, 201313 yr Author Looking to maybe add former Thunder guard Eric Maynor to serve as Wall's backup, as well as Antwan Jamison to come back and fill that stretch 4 role. They only have the mid-level exception (around 5 mil) and bi-annual mini exception (around 2.2 mil) to spend but if they can lock up Webster, Maynor, and Jamison this is a pretty solid team next season. Then Okafor and Ariza's deals come off the books and they have around 20 mil in extra cap space. If they can bring back Okafor at a cheaper rate he will still be a solid big for the next few years. Had a very productive season last year, especially after Wall came back.
July 1, 201313 yr I would guess they could make playoffs IF they can stay healthy and can catch a break or two.
July 1, 201313 yr I am curious as to the type of impact Porter Jr. will have. Some see him as a potential all-star caliber player, I am just seeing a solid 3 man. His development will go a long way with their long term impact. I am not familiar with Saraphin.
July 1, 201313 yr Author I am curious as to the type of impact Porter Jr. will have. Some see him as a potential all-star caliber player, I am just seeing a solid 3 man. His development will go a long way with their long term impact. I am not familiar with Saraphin. I don't think Porter will ever be an All-Star but I see him having a Tayshaun Prince impact on those good Pistons teams. He's going to be that solid glue guy whos going to play D and do everything good even though he won't do anything great. Can pass, hit the mid range, and has shown a lot of improvement on his outside shot. At 6'8.5'' he has a lot of length, I think hes the perfect compliment to Wall and Beal. Seraphin is a nice player, drafted the same year as Wall. Only got to see real playing time the last two seasons, but is an effective post scorer. More of a traditional banger than anything else, plays inside and gets boards. Has had a few 20 point games as well as a few double doubles last couple of seasons. Has really developed a lot since Nene arrived, will continue to improve IMO.
July 1, 201313 yr Author I would guess they could make playoffs IF they can stay healthy and can catch a break or two. Health is the main thing. They would have been a playoff team last season if healthy.
July 1, 201313 yr Author Glen Rice Jr. will have an impact for the Wizards as well. Yeah I really like that pick. Not sure how much he figures in to contribute next season, but late next year and in the next few seasons I look for him to be a big part off the bench. Very versatile and already has experience playing against pros. He was the MVP of the D-League Finals last season and put up a pretty impressive stat line in the D-League playoffs, 25, 9.5, 4.5, 2, 2. Very versatile and is improving as a shooter, he's not his dad but hes starting to be a knock down guy from deep.
July 1, 201313 yr Author They'll probably be 8th or 9th in the East. I look for the Bucks, Hawks, and potentially the Celtics to take a little step back. I could see them getting up to a 4-6 seed if they can stay healthy.
July 2, 201313 yr I look for the Bucks, Hawks, and potentially the Celtics to take a little step back. I could see them getting up to a 4-6 seed if they can stay healthy. They won't finish above Miami, Chicago, Indy, Brooklyn, or the Knicks. 6th seed at best IMO. And that's before free agency.
July 2, 201313 yr Author I look for Webster or Ariza to start over Porter. At least to start the season. More than likely, but long term its Porter's job to lose. By the end of the year it will likely be Porter, with Webster subbing the 2 and 3 for scoring and Ariza for D.
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