The Washington Wizards have been trying to understand what their young roster can become.
Kyshawn George is making a strong case for a big role with the Wizards, but his recent performances have also raised questions about whether the Wizards are putting too much responsibility on him too soon.
George has shown that he can help this team in several areas of the game. The 6-foot-7 forward has become a key piece of the Wizards’ offense, using his scoring ability and creative playmaking to make opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Over the last few games, George has become particularly encouraging. George scored 22 points against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 2, followed by 25 points facing the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 4. He then dropped 33 points in another loss to Atlanta the next game, adding eight assists and five three-pointers.
Those numbers show why Washington has continued to give George opportunities with the ball in his hands. However, his development isn’t just about scoring and how many points he can score. The Wizards also need to find the right role for him as he continues to improve in the NBA.
Finding the Right Role for Kyshawn George
One of Kyshawn George’s biggest strengths has been his versatility. He’s been able to score, defend multiple positions, and help create offense for his teammates. Washington has also been experimenting with using him as a point guard when Trae Young is not playing.
That responsibility has not always been easy.
George recorded eight turnovers against the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 23, a performance that showed some of the challenges of asking him to run the Wizards’ offense. He has the ability to make plays, but becoming a good ball handler takes time.
After George’s 22-point performance on the Chicago Bulls defense on Oct. 24, Wizards coach Brian Keefe discussed his ability to create more opportunities by getting into the paint.
“You saw him being able to create and get into the paint,” Keefe said. “A lot more paint touches for us tonight, which we wanted to emphasize, and he was a catalyst for that.”
The comments, reported by Roundtable Sports, show that Washington finds value in what George can bring when he is attacking the basket instead of forcing himself to make all of the plays.
The Wizards should continue giving him opportunities to handle the ball, but they should also recognize when he’s most effective.
Learning Alongside Trae Young
Trae Young’s presence could play an important role in George’s development. As an experienced point guard, Young can help take pressure off George while giving him chances to contribute as a secondary playmaker.
George doesn’t need to become the team’s primary ball handler to be an important part of the offense. Playing alongside Trae Young can allow him to focus on scoring, attacking the basket, and making decisions when defenses give him opportunities.
Washington has also shown that George can help lead the offense when Young is not on the floor. That flexibility is important, especially for a team that is still trying to establish its offensive identity.
The challenge is finding a balance between giving George more responsibility and allowing him to play to his strengths.
Patience Is Key
The Wizards have invested in developing young players, and George is becoming one of the more important parts of that process. Washington has exercised his fourth-year team option on Nov. 1, showing commitment to keeping him in the team’s long-term process.
Through the Wizards’ first 11 games, George is averaging 17.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Still, his recent performances shouldn’t mean the Wizards expect him to carry the team every night. George continues to develop as a scorer and playmaker, and there will be nights where he struggles.
Washington needs to give him room to make mistakes while putting him in positions where he can succeed more. Young can help take pressure off, while George continues learning how to become more consistent on offense.
George has shown that he deserves an important role in Washington. The next step the Wizards should take is making sure they can give him the right responsibilities to continue his development.
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