Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The Washington Wizards are currently sitting in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14-14. The Wizards are a young team, with a lot of young talent. They are expected to make the playoffs this year and I’m sure they will not shy away from the challenge.
Here is a list of the Washington Wizards New Years resolutions, that will help them on the court and make that playoff push in the East.
FINISH THE CLOSE GAMES
One of the Washington Wizards biggest weaknesses this year has been their ability to close out games. Too many games this year have been lost due to letting games slip away.
This season, the Wizards have played six overtimes games. In those six overtime games they are 2-4.
It’s hard to find a scapegoat for the Washington Wizards inability to close games. Even if it doesn’t go to overtime, the Wizards have blown leads. For instance, against the Denver Nuggets, on December 9, 2013, the Wizards led the entire game and ended up giving the led away and attempting a win from a John Wall shot. After that game, Wall told media, “Nate Robinson was grabbing my arm every time I went by him. I lost the ball. You lose a tough game that way.”
Whether or not that is true, I find it irreverent. The Wizards were in complete control throughout the game but let it get away from them. With Bradley Beal back in the starting line up, the Wizards have more offensive options. To make the playoffs this year, the Washington Wizards have to be able to close out all games and get the W. There is no more room for “moral victories”.
STAY HEALTHY
Every player on the Wizards is essential to them having a successful season. It is vital that all of the Wizards players, both starters and bench players, to stay healthy.
Otto Porter Jr., their most recent draft pick, has had a slow start in the NBA due to injury.
Bench players such as Al Harrington and Glen Rice Jr. are currently on the team’s injury list but should be back in January. Harrington is a combo forward the Wizards need. He has presence inside and can hit a jumper. Glen Rice Jr. is young and developing into an offensive asset for the Wizards. The Wizards bench is a big part to their keys for the playoffs.
This year, injuries have been common among a majority of NBA teams. The Wizards are a team, that must improve their health and then they must maintain their health to make the playoffs.
Courtesy: Zimbio
OTTO PORTER JR. IMPROVES
It took longer than expected for Otto Porter Jr. to make his first NBA appearance and first NBA basket. Porter has only played in six games this year, so it is too early to say he is a disappointment. He has been adjusting from a hip injury and taking his time. Adjusting from college ball to professional basketball is a big jump, making that jump while rehabbing your hip is even harder.
In six games, he has averaged 10.5 minutes. In that time, he has averaged 1.3 PTS and 1.8REBS. He is currently shooting 26.7% from the field. Porter was a strong player for Georgetown University and I believe his talent will transfer to a successful NBA career.
In their most recent victory, against the Detroit Pistons, Porter had 7PTS, 4ASTS and 2 REBS. He also was three for four on shot attempts. In only nine minutes of play Porter provided strength of the bench to help the Wizards beat the Pistons.
For the Wizards to succeed, Porter will need to start playing up to his potential. I’m sure, that sooner than later, we will see Porter playing like the third overall draft pick.
IMPROVE DEFENSE
The Wizards are missing a core defensive mind set player. They have Nene, but could use extra help. I hope they focus on that in the upcoming draft. As a team, they could play better defense. The Wizards have allowed teams to score 100+ points all December, expect one game against the Denver Nuggets.
For the Wizards to keep improving and strengthening playoff chances, Washington will need to play better defense. The Wizards current defensive rating is 102.7, which is pretty high. They need to try to get this number below 100.
They are also averaging 31.6 defensive rebounds per game. This is another statistic that needs to improve for the New Year. If they can average 35+ defensive rebounds a game, it will minimize the second chance points the Wizards allow in close games.
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Overall, the Washington Wizards have not made the playoffs in five years. They started this year at 2-7 and are currently 14-14. Their next game comes against Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves, like all games, it is a must win for Washington. The Wizards must focus on and improve these areas.
All statistics credited to NBA.com and Basketball-reference.com
