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Washington Wizards: 5 Early Season Takeaways

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Wizards need some solid bench production

The Washington Wizards starters are all averaging double figures. Production from the starting five of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris and Otto Porter isn’t the issue. The real issue is depth and quality bench production.

The Wizards bench ranks 29th in points per game (24.0), 30th in rebounds per game (10.3) and 20th in shooting percentage (42.6). The Washington bench has been abysmal for them so far through 29 games.

Back on Dec. 6, when point guard John Wall scored a career-high 52 points in their 124-116 loss to the Orlando Magic, the bench combined for just 22 points. The Magic bench scored 73 points.

Granted, the absence of Ian Mahinmi has hurt them some. The Wizards have gotten relatively nothing from reserve centers Jason Smith and Andrew Nicholson.

Smith is averaging 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10.3 minutes of play. He’s appeared in 28 games. Nicholson is averaging 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 9.3 minutes of play. He’s appeared 21 games for the Wizards.

If they want to make the playoffs, they’ll need to find more quality production from their bench.

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