Washington Wizards: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

2. The bigs need to have an even bigger season

The Wizards’ backcourt is where oppnents will struggle most, with a triple threat of each man carrying his own speciality.

But their frontcourt is just plain tough, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat both are coming off career years right in line with the rest of the pack.

Markieff Morris brought exactly what the Wizards needed as a hard-nosed defender and an extra versatile shooter. Over 76 games played last season he averaged 31.2 minutes of action per game. While from the field he shot closer to his career average than his career high, he improved his long range efficiency to a career-best 36.2 percent.

Marcin Gortat is simply a workhorse at this stage in his career. Last season he managed to average a double-double for just the second time in his career, and also had a career high field goal percentage 57.9 percent. He managed to play and start all 82 games, which says something about his ability to still keep up with the Wizards young core.

For the Washington Wizards to contend again, these two big men will need to continue to be just as physical as well as being efficient from the field.

1. The bench players must improve and prove they can win

The Wizards’ biggest downfall throughout the 2016-17 season was the bench’s inability to do any one thing particularly well. They struggled on defense, struggled from long range and struggled to maintain the leads the starting five built.

The Washington Wizards’ primary focus this offseason has been rearranging and building up their bench. The new additions consist of Jodie Meeks, Tim Frazier and Mike Scott, all of which either are coming off injuries or have only shown flashes of what they can potentially be.

This year the rotation must not just be solid; it is absolutely essential they perform well otherwise outcry from the public may ensue. The Wizards will not be able to contend if the bench is completely unable to hold its own and close out games.

Kelly Oubre Jr. needs to break out if his shell and become a leader in the rotation in particular. He has the pressure of high expectations now and needs to show results after two fairly underwhelming seasons in the league.

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If he can become a reliable threat beyond the arc and improve on defense, the Wizards’ rotation will be in good shape to help the team contend once more during the 2017-18 season.