The Washington Wizards can't be happy with how their season is going after evenings like Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers when they don't look motivated in playing and had a huge breakdown.

Washington is still in a playoff spot, but they are 23-25, which isn't where many anticipated them to be after making the playoffs the previous season. They did an excellent job acquiring Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and a few more players.

On paper, the Wizards appear to be a team capable of making a lot of noise in the Eastern Conference, as they have a real star in Bradley Beal, as well as several key role players. This season, a few Wizards players have really stepped up and taken significant steps forward in their careers. Guys like Kuzma, Harrell, and a few others are playing some of their best basketball ever.

Unfortunately for the Wizards, they can't seem to get good performances together at the same time, which is why they've squandered a couple of big leads this season. They also don't have one of the best defenses in the NBA, which has been a huge factor in their inability to close out games or win games against teams with far less skill.

Even though the Wizards haven't performed as well as they had hoped this season, there have been a few guys who have stepped up and aren't receiving the credit they deserve.

Let's take a look at the Washington Wizards' three biggest unsung heroes this season.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Wizards Unsung Heroes

3. Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma was a laughingstock around the league when he arrived in Washington from the Los Angeles Lakers because no one thought he was as talented as everyone was making him up to be. During the offseason and in last year's playoffs, he became a laughingstock because he didn't put on the performance that Lakers fans had hyped him up for.

He made some statements during the summer about how much better he believed he was than he played in Los Angeles, and everything he said is correct. He's in Washington now and has been a force on both ends of the court, scoring 15.7 points per game while also grabbing over nine rebounds per game.

Kyle Kuzma's game has improved dramatically, and the Wizards appear to have struck gold with this trade. Bringing him in was a fantastic idea, and he is unquestionably performing better than anyone who has ever watched the NBA or followed the game anticipated him to perform.

Article Continues Below
More Washington Wizards News
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Kristaps Porzingis playing for the Wizards.
Wizards trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis in offseason if Celtics shed salaryBailey Bassett ·
Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20), guard Carlton Carrington (8) and Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) watch for the rebound during the second half at Kia Center.
Wizards’ Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington make wild franchise history with All-Rookie nodsJoshua Valdez ·
image thumbnail
Warriors rumors: Brandin Podziemski trade proponents want a player more like Jordan PooleJulian Ojeda ·
Fans behind 2025 NBA Draft logo
Why there’s still hope for Wizards after drawing No. 6 pick in draft lotteryJoshua Valdez ·
NBA on NBC, Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls 2
Social media explodes after Michael Jordan joins NBA on NBC teamTomer Azarly ·

2. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell is one of those NBA players who is recognized for being a high-level defender because he constantly plays with a passion and fire that makes it difficult for opposing players to score. He's also having a career year, averaging 14.1 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season.

There was an argument to be made at the start of the season that he should have earned the league's Most Improved Player Award, and he could have even slipped into the All-Star game if he had become a starter for the Wizards earlier in the year. On a nightly basis, he was averaging 20 points and putting up some other insane stats.

Harrell is expected to be a hot name at the trade deadline, and the Wizards may opt to deal him. If Washington decides to trade Montrezl Harrell, it would be very questionable, but if they believe they can receive the return they desire, it would not be a horrible option.

1. Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford may only play 21.2 minutes each game for the Wizards, but his recent defensive contributions cannot be overlooked. He's undoubtedly one of the best rim defenders in the NBA, and he's one of the bright spots for a team that suffers so much on defense at times. He's not just a great defender, but he's also averaging 9.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with a top-25 PER in the NBA. The Wizards would be a lot worse without him.

It is going to be interesting to see what is done in Washington in the coming weeks. There have been rumors that they could even possibly trade Bradley Beal.

The front office did a great job last offseason of going out and getting guys, but they really lack that second star and have a below-average defense, which is why they have struggled at times this season. If they want to find success in the near future, they are going to have to be busy this deadline.