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NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) react against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards

Are Wall, Beal And Porter Ready To Take The Next Step?

Last season, the world saw the value of having a clutch, veteran performer for a playoff series like Paul Pierce was for the Washington Wizards. The Truth may be gone, but this long-suffering franchise is hoping that one season of his tutelage rubbed off on John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr.

Wall has already established himself as one of the best point guards in the league, averaging the second most assists per game (10.0) last year, but he’s still in need of a serviceable three-point shot and could definitely do with a lot fewer midrange attempts.

Beal seems to always come to life in the postseason, as was on full display when he averaged 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in his latest playoffs. But the key now is staying healthy and sustaining that kind of production over the course of an 82-game season, which he was unable to do last season after his first breakout postseason.

The same goal could be set for Porter, Pierce’s direct underling who blossomed in the postseason to the tune of 10.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5 percent from downtown in last year’s playoff run. For the Wizards to advance past the second round this time around, these three players have to take the next step together and show what they learned from The Truth.

Next: NBA: Top 10 MVP Candidates In 2015-16

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