Wizards’ Underwhelming Start Shows Bright Spots But Raises Questions

After dropping their third straight game in the NBA Bubble return to TJ Warren and the Indiana Pacers, the belief in a Washington Wizards’ playoff push are quickly starting to dwindle. Without the assistance of their star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal or Davis Bertans who asserted himself this season as an elite level shooter, the young talent of the Wizards has shown flashes, but could never seem to seal the deal while the lights are brightest.

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Unfortunately, Washington’s road to the postseason only gets steeper from here and it looks like these last couple of games will be more of a proving ground for the young players rather than an opportunity for some early playoff experience.

In the midst of a not so hospitable welcome to the eight-game regular season, the Wizards’ young players have been intriguing through some breakout performance and eye-popping stat lines. Three guys in particular: rookie forward Rui Hachimura, shooting guard Jerome Robinson who they acquired in a trade with the LA Clippers and center Thomas Bryant who spent a lot of time in and out of the lineup this season due to a right foot injury.

Hachimura, the 9th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has been a relatively promising building block piece all season. Averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds on 47.4% from the floor, he’s a raw talent that relies heavily on his above-average athleticism and has the build to be an elite level two-way wing in the near future. Standing at 6-foot-8, 230 pounds, he tends to live in the paint getting most of his points off strong drives to the basket and short jumpers from the free throw line and in.

 

 

In Washington’s first official game of the bubble against the Phoenix Suns, Hachimura ignited for 21 points and eight rebounds, doing so without attempting a single three-pointer. Although he is skilled as an above the rim player, his inability or unwillingness to take threes is what has led to his inconsistency. Since that game, he has only scored nine points in back-to-back games while making 6 of his 18 shots over the course of two games. In a league predicated on either shooting the three well or having athletic two-way wings to win a championship, Hachimura’s learning curve is a steep one as his development as tertiary scorer will play a big factor on how far the Wizards can go in years down the line.

The Wizards may be quickly sliding out of playoff contention this season, but if they plan on propelling back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Hachimura will need to start living up to his lottery pick status and take a significant leap as a shooter going into his sophomore season.

Do not be surprised if Washington decides to take a swing on Dayton forward Obi Toppin, Auburn forward Isaac Okoro or Israelian prospect Deni Avdija in the upcoming draft where they are projected to pick 9th overall. Considering the Wizards’ lack of depth at small forward as it is with only Hachimura, Troy Brown Jr. and rookie Admiral Schofield, they desperately need either one of those guys to develop or they need get a guy in the draft who can produce right away.  

Next is Jerome Robinson who has been giving the Wizards good minutes off the bench as a scorer and high-volume shooter off the bench in place of Bertans. Similar to Hachimura, Robinson also had somewhat of a breakout game against the Phoenix Suns, scoring 20 points (one-point shy of his career-high) with four threes on the night, but since has gone cold from three (3 of 15 in last two games).

 

Coming from a situation in LA where the backcourt was crowded with guys like Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Landry Shamet who all play big minutes for the Clippers, Robinson did not get to show off much in his season and half with them and since has only played in 16 games for Washington.

As trade rumors continue to linger around All-Star guard Bradley Beal, questions regarding the future of the Wizards’ backcourt will also continue to stir. Robinson is under contract till 2023 with a team option at the start of the 2021-2022 season for $5.3 million, which the Wizards have the choice to pick up. Earning an excess of over $17 million in total earnings over the next three seasons, Robinson will be one of the six top paid players on the roster next season and will be asked to prove whether or not he is worth what he is owed.

He may not have a large sample size in the league, but his willingness to shoot the ball and ability to get hot from three should help in sealing a spot for him in the Wizards rotation behind Wall and Beal. The real question he will have to answer is if he has the kind of talent to step up as viable lead guard if either one of Washington’s All-Star guards are dealt in the offseason.

Last is Thomas Bryant who has probably had the most impact for the Wizards so far in these last few games. Out of all three players, Bryant may be the missing link that Washington needs in order to make them a real playoff threat next season.

After a rough game against Phoenix, scoring only 10 points on 12 shots, Bryant has since had two big time double-doubles against the Brooklyn Nets (30 points and 13 rebounds) and the Indiana Pacers (20 points and 11 rebounds). But what makes these performances so intriguing his efficiency from behind the arc.

 

Despite being 6-foot-10, 248 pounds with the frame of an under the rim rebounding center, Bryant has shown off his range, making 7 of 13 threes over the last three games. As a center with the frame to be an elite rebounder and the ability to space the floor as a shooter, Bryant has the potential to easily become the best big man Washington has had in the last decade.

Although these young players have shown significant upside as potential building blocks, their time in this year’s bubble is quickly running out and will only end quicker if they continue to struggle from the three-point line. In the three games since returning to the bubble, Washington has shot a combined 28 of 83 (33.7%) from three.

Bertans is clearly missed right now as he was tied with Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield and the Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson for 3rd in three-pointers made per game (3.7 a game) He also was top seven in total three-pointers made this season with 200 which was only five less than Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young. When it comes to addressing the real elephant in the room, Bertans’ pending free agency should be at the top of Washington’s list. Bertans’ purposely chose not to attend the Orlando bubble in order to preserve his health leading into this offseason where he will be a high commodity on the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

Losing a guy that shot the ball like he did this season would be a huge blow to the Wizards’ offense. But if he can be retained, we could be in store for a line up that pairs a top-five facilitator in John Wall with two of the best shooters in the game in Bertans and Beal. Oddly enough, retaining Bertans may be the most crucial move that Washington has to make this offseason.

Washington’s remaining schedule is a five-game gauntlet starting with the Philadelphia 76ers and ending with the Boston Celtics. Looks like the Wizards better enjoy their time in Orlando while they can, cause their bubble dreams are about to burst.