The Washington Wizards had the second-worst defense in the NBA before the 2019-20 season was suspended due to COVID-19. However, general manager Tommy Sheppard believes the team is going to improve defensively through the draft, free agency and simply by getting John Wall back in 2020-21.
Wall, the Wizards' All-Star point guard, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. When he plays next season, Sheppard expects Washington's defense to be good again.
“We’re gonna improve defensively, and a lot of that is by repetition and continuity,” the Wizards GM told Fred Katz of The Athletic. “We certainly look inside. Maybe we can get some more physicality there and get some more help out on the wings. There’s a lot of need that comes, but sometimes those needs get met by just staying patient (with your) players.
“When you get Johh Wall back, that guy was on the All-Defensive Team a few years ago. John can contain the dribble, and that takes a lot of pressure off the defense, too.”
Wall was one of the best defenders at his position prior to his Achilles tear. And fans can bet that the former No. 1 overall pick is eager to play at a high-level next season for the Wizards since most pundits believe he doesn't have anything left in the tank.
Last season for Washington, Wall averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 30.2 percent from beyond the arc and 69.7 percent from the free-throw line.
The Wizards should be playoff contenders in 2020-21 with Wall and Bradley Beal leading the charge once again.
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