The NBA's play-in tournament started off with a bang, at least for the Boston Celtics. As for the Washington Wizards, they were able to keep it close with Boston during the first half, only to completely fall apart during the third and fourth quarters. As usual, Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook led the way in scoring, assists, and rebounds, making the game feel like it was two-on-five throughout.
Washington could find itself in a conundrum, especially if the team gets taken out of the playoff picture with a loss to the Indiana Pacers. It's highly speculated that Beal should play for a new team. However, he's similar to Damian Lillard, in that Beal wants to win in Washington. As for Westbrook, the triple-double monster might bring in a haul of young players for the Wizards to build around Beal.
At the end of the day though, breaking up the Wizards backcourt would slow everything down for this organization. Trading either Beal, or Westbrook, or both away would immediately put Washington back into a rebuilding stage. This is something the franchise would like to avoid, as they haven't been in the playoffs since the 2017-18 season. Even if they get past Indiana, the Wizards are extremely unlikely to go deep in the playoffs.
Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook give Washington their best chances of winning. With that said, the Wizards' best chances of success next year is to maintain their current core. Beal and Westbrook likely won't be fading anytime soon, while the roster has plenty of young players who could step up their game next season.
A few young players on the roster that stand out are Rui Hachimura, Daniel Gafford, and Thomas Bryant. Each of them specializes in the post and could become a threat in the paint next season.
Hachimura has been able to average 13.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game throughout his two-year career. He's played a vital role for Washington, but for this team to take the next step, he has to improve his game. If Hachimura can enhance his three-point shooting, Washington will be able to spread the ball around more, creating a better mismatch against their opponents next year.
Daniel Gafford was traded to Washington from the Chicago Bulls midway through this season. It seemed to be a good deal so far, as Gafford stepped up his game drastically once he arrived in the nation's capital. During his 23 games with the Wizards, Gafford averaged 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He was given more opportunities to play, proving he was ready for a larger role. Gafford should be considered the “X-Factor” on the Wizards, as he has the potential to make a huge leap in development next season.
Thomas Bryant is one of the NBA's rising stars, but unfortunately only played 10 games this year due to injury. He'll recover for next season and play as the starting center for the Wizards. He was the missing piece Washington needed though, as he averaged 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His return will be exactly what this roster needs to make a push for the postseason next year.
Having Beal and Westbrook surrounded by three rising stars, the Washington Wizards playoff hopes should come to fruition in 2022. Keeping the core of this roster together should be high on the priority list for this front office. Winning is the goal, and keeping Beal and Westbrook together provides the best chances of success for Washington.
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