”People can laugh about us now…In the future, I don’t think people are going to be laughing about us.”
This is what Trae Young had to say after Bam Adebayo’s record-setting performance against the Wizards.
The Washington Wizards have been one of the worst teams in the league, but that is by design.
The team has been focusing on developing its young talent over the last three seasons, stockpiling draft picks to build for the future. Acquiring Young and Anthony Davis puts a whole new set of expectations on the team.
Even though Young did not play in the game in which Bam went completely nuclear, he was still angry about the result. “It’s not something you want to be a part of and things like that, but you see everyone’s reaction and how he got it”, Young said to The Athletic.
What the Wizards Need to Succeed
The Wizards have an uphill battle to become a top team in the East.
The first thing they will need is to ensure the full team stays healthy. Anthony Davis has not played a game for Washington yet. Young has only played three games, averaging just over 19 minutes per game due to minute restrictions. Alex Sarr has played in 44 of 65 games so far this season. Kyshawn George has played 48. Bilal Coulibaly played 45. Tre Johnson played 52.
Bub Carrington is the only player on the roster to have appeared in all games so far this season. This will be a big factor for the team if they are looking to make some noise soon.
Another factor will be for the team to solidify the rotation. The lineups have changed several times due to injuries and DNP-CDs (coach’s decision). The team needs consistency in who gets minutes so they can build chemistry. Ideally, a great team has a great bench as well, so having players who know what their role will be when it is time to play will improve chemistry.
Decisions must be made about the starting five when Davis returns. He likely becomes a lock for the starting power forward spot alongside Sarr at center. Young will be the point guard. Johnson has made a great case to be the starting shooting guard. That would leave either Coulibaly or George as the starting small forward. A battle for minutes is sure to commence this offseason.
Trae Young’s Offense and the Team’s Defense
With Trae Young leading the way, the team will become a potent offensive force.
His scoring and playmaking will open up a lot of things for the team. The cohesive defense of Coulibaly, Davis, George, and Sarr will make them a threat in transition as well. A fully healthy Wizards team can shut a lot of people up as soon as next season.
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