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Wizards: 5 Midseason Takeaways

By Colby Giacubeno

Jan 15, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman coaches guard Bradley Beal (3) on the sideline in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Washington Wizards beat the Indiana Pacers 118-104. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman coaches guard Bradley Beal (3) on the sideline in the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Washington Wizards beat the Indiana Pacers 118-104. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) looks on during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) looks on during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

5. A More Exciting Brand

In today’s game, the slowed down half-court-paced offense isn’t what it used to be. As players coming into the league are becoming more athletic and high-flying, a fast-paced transition game is what comes to mind as an exciting brand of basketball.

The Wizards made the adjustment to play smaller and faster after seeing the success it brought in last year’s playoffs.

They currently rank fifth in the NBA in pace with 99.7.

Let’s face it, John Wall leading a fast break is one of the more exciting plays in the NBA to watch besides a Stephen Curry three that is launched one step in from half court or a Russell Westbrook dunk that may shatter the backboard.

Wall is a wizard with the basketball in the open floor whether it be throwing down a dunk with his left hand, or making a craft no-look pass to a teammate for an easy lay up.

The increase of pace doesn’t always mean that mistakes won’t come with it. Turnovers have been an issue for the Wizards this season as they averaged 14.2 per game (18th in the NBA). The number isn’t necessarily one that alarms you too much, rather it is the way the turnovers are happening.

Careless passes, communication miscues, and violations that don’t happen as much when watching elite teams.

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

Sure, everyone is going to turn the ball over–Golden State is 16th with 15.1 per game–but for the Wizards, their offense isn’t good enough to be giving away possessions. The uptempo offense brings excitement knowing that Wall is constantly looking to get out on the break, but it also takes discipline and time to master that type of play and the Wizards just aren’t there yet.

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