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The Washington Wizards dealt their starting point guard Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers for a slew of role players that could contribute instantly. General manager Tommy Sheppard also signed offensive maestro Spencer Dinwiddie, all while hiring former Denver Nuggets assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. as the new head coach of this squad.
Bradley Beal is already entering his ninth season donning the Wizards jersey, but this might be the last hurrah for the franchise to convince him to stay with the team for the long-term. They succumbed to the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the NBA Playoffs last season, but they hope to find more success with a new head coach and plethora of new players.
With that, here are four bold Wizards predictions for 2021-22.
Washington Wizards 2021-22 Predictions
4. Bradley Beal gets traded before the trade deadline
With only one year left in Beal's contract before his player option for 2022-23, Sheppard will be forced to deal Beal for the best package available rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.
Beal had one of his best seasons last year, but he was visibly frustrated in several games because he would score 35-40 points but the Wizards would still lose by double digits. He lacks the reliable support system and secondary scorers that would lighten the load on him. Transferring to an organization like Golden State or Utah would give him ample opportunities to score, facilitate, and most importantly win multiple playoffs series.
Washington will give him at least half the season to play with his new teammates, but the construction of this squad does not seem enough to even crack a spot in the top six of the loaded Eastern Conference. As Beal continues to age, he must decide to move cities if he wants to add some championship rings into his storied NBA career.
3. Kyle Kuzma averages 20-plus points per game
In his rookie and sophomore years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma had immense freedom to chuck it up from all spots on the floor as he averaged 16.1 and 18.7 points per game, respectively. With the arrival of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he sacrificed many touches and shots in order to give them a better a chance of racking up wins and winning championships.
Kuzma adjusted to an off-bench role, but he remained an effective piece, especially during their 2020 championship run.
Being the focal point of the Westbrook trade, the expectations for Kuzma to contribute right away is at a high level. And with more opportunities with the Wizards, he should be able to back up Bradley Beal in scoring and fully unleash his offensive potential without limit.
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2. Daniel Gafford takes a massive leap in his game
Toward the latter part of the 2020-21 season, Daniel Gafford was proving himself as a more effective player compared to Alex Len and Robin Lopez. Westbrook was dishing it to him as he finished rim-rattling jams and short stabs on the paint, which was a facet in his game that was not present when he was still with the Chicago Bulls.
Gafford is also a vicious rim protector and defensive anchor for the Wizards, highlighted by his 1.8 blocks per game average last season. With an additional season to add to his belt, Gafford should be able to continue expanding his repertoire and become more of a force offensively and defensively. He could add a reliable mid-range shot to open up the paint for the guards and wings of the Wizards.
With the departure of Len and Lopez, Gafford is expected to increase his minutes and prove why he was a steal for the Wizards when they acquired him at the trade deadline last season.
1. Davis Bertans fails to live up to his 5-year, $80 million extension
The top shooters in the league are paid at a premium because there are only a few of them. Joe Harris signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets last year, while Duncan Robinson re-signed with the Miami Heat for five years worth $90 million.
Bertans, being one of the better shooters in the league, got a five-year, $80 million deal.
The problem with that is Bertans is not able to contribute consistently on other areas. Rui Hachimura or Deni Avdija are more capable wing defenders compared to Bertans, which could prompt the the coaching staff to decide to give them more minutes.
Bertans is also not able to facilitate or create shots for his teammates, which is a weakness that can be easily exploited by some of the best defensive teams in the Eastern Conference. At 6-foot-10, the Latvian is a sensational catch-and-shoot specialist, but getting paid $16 million a year is way too high for the sweet shooting big man.
