Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Dwight Howard #21 of the Washington Wizards speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at the Capital One Arena on July 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. The Wizards bench got a solid upgrade

The additions of Austin Rivers, Jeff Green, Troy Brown Jr. and Thomas Bryant are quality upgrades to last season’s additions. Tim Frazier didn’t quite pan out on a one-year deal, and Jodie Meeks will miss the first 19 games of the 2018-19 regular season serving the rest of his 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.

Rivers put up a career-high 15.1 points and 4.0 assists per game last year, along with 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 61 appearances for the Los Angeles Clippers. He will bring playmaking ability, defense and more 3-point shooting to a team in desperate need.

Green can replace what Mike Scott brought off the bench and then some. Green averaged 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but at times, he looked out of sorts. Hopefully, a return to Washington D.C. can reignite his career. Green attended Georgetown University from 2004-07.

With a bigger veteran presence off the bench, the Wizards should be better prepared as an overall unit. This group will have a bigger impact on scoring and defense than in previous seasons.

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