Washington Wizards: Best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 29: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards, John Wall #2, Markieff Morris #5, Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Bradley Beal #3 talk during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 29: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards, John Wall #2, Markieff Morris #5, Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Bradley Beal #3 talk during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Here’s a look at the Washington Wizards’ best candidates for 2018-19 NBA awards, including John Wall’s chances at winning MVP.

It’s been a long time since Washington Wizards fans could routinely expect their best players to contend among the elite talent for the most prestigious end of year NBA awards. The last time any Wizards player was perennially included in the MVP and All-NBA race, the team was called the Washington Bullets and it was led by the likes of Wes Unseld, Earl Monroe, Elvin Hayes and Gus Johnson.

Today, expectations are different. Only a few Wizards players have made brief appearances on any end-of-year performance list, highlighted most recently by John Wall‘s 2016-17 season where he earned All-NBA Third Team honors.

But what if this year is different?

Given the current roster status quo and recent trend of average results, the correct follow-up question would be how? Well, it depends on the Wizards making some noise in the East, winning over 50 games and maintaining a healthy roster throughout the season. So in essence, a lot has to go right.

If it does? Well, then these Wizards players could be in the conversation for the following NBA year end awards.