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Washington Wizards: The search for more depth off the bench

By Randy Porga

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) gestures after making a three point field goal against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) gestures after making a three point field goal against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the Washington Wizards are watching the NBA Finals from home, their search has only just begun to add more depth to an uncertain bench.

The Washington Wizards found success during the regular season, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and proving their dominance after a shaky start.

The Wizards accumulated their most wins during the regular season since 1978-79, the year they lost in the Finals and missed out on back-to-back championships.

Washington achieved this 49-win season under head coach Scott Brooks in his first year leading a young team stacked with talent. As it seems the best was brought out of this roster, the Wizards failed to finish off the Boston Celtics in Game 7.

By and large, it seemed the Wizards had all the answers except one: how to best utilize their bench.

Where It Went Wrong

In a league where teams boast more than one superstar these days, John Wall seems intent on proving he is the only superstar needed on this roster. The Wizards dominated in many aspects and found themselves ahead of the league in several categories.

The Wizards finished the regular season:

  • 4th in points per game (108.1)
  • 3rd in assists per game (22.8)
  • 3rd in blocks per game (6.6)
  • 5th in steals per game (7.9)
  • 2nd most fast break points per game (17.5)

These are all reasons for optimism, reinforcing the fact that the Washington Wizards have a well-rounded starting five. This team was able to hustle and exhibit chemistry as a team, not needing to rely solely on John Wall every night.

So what went wrong during the Wizards series against the Boston Celtics?

Many point to their poor away record throughout the year and the inability to win games on the road. A closer look makes the issue much easier to see. The bench rarely performed well when needed and called upon.

The Wizards’ bench through the regular season ranked:

  • 29th in minutes played per game (15.3)
  • 29th in points per game (27.0)
  • 29th in field goal attempts per game (22.8)
  • 26th in three-point attempts per game (7.6)
  • 29th in assists (5.5)

The Bench That Couldn’t Produce

The saying goes, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” In the Wizards’ case, that link is the bench. Some may use the upcoming point guard heavy draft as an opportunity to improve. A popular belief among fans may be needing a point guard to relieve John Wall. However, with the numbers taken into account, the Wizards need more of a facilitator off the bench as opposed to a true shooter.

As their bench stands at the moment, no one’s future seems to certain.

Brandon Jennings is a solid contributor and late addition to their roster, and certainly makes for a formidable guard off the bench while John Wall takes a rest. He brings the same kind of attitude and hustle Wall brings to the court. Jennings looks to pass often and has a solid midrange shot.

Although his ability to knock down shots from long range is shaky at best, he does fit the description as a facilitator, with his 7.9 assists per 36 minutes ranking 20th overall in the NBA this year. However, he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is a restricted free agent signed through 2019-20 season, and has had a very underwhelming two years in the league. He has had moments of shine, but his performance when it mattered most especially in the playoffs leaves more questions about his future than answers.

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It can be argued he still has not had enough minutes to prove his true value on the court, although it also can be argued his performance has not warranted Scott Brooks the reason.

During the postseason he finished with 5.8 points per game and played 15.4 minutes over 12 games. With subpar offensive performances, his immature outburst against Kelly Olynyk during Game 3 proves Oubre Jr. has a long road ahead of him to mature in the league.

Lastly, Bojan Bogdanovic proved to be the best weapon off the bench through the playoffs for the Wizards, playing 20.3 minutes per game during the postseason and shooting 41.4 percent from the field.

He emerged during Game 3 when the Wizards won their first game of the series. He shot 6-of-12 from the field and sank 4-of-7 three pointers, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Wizards should seek an additional player of this caliber to their bench that can produce when called on, though Bogdanovic’s status as a restricted free agent complicates matters.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

As fans can only now look back on the 2016-17 season and wonder what could have been, the Wizards look to add crucial bench depth to their roster to make an even deeper playoff push next season.

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