Washington Wizards: 2019-20 NBA season preview

Storyline No. 2: How much playing time for Hachimura and Schofield?

News that Hachimura is fully recovered from knee soreness and general fatigue, which occurred during the FIBA World Cup this summer is a relief. The Wizards do not have much roster depth at the power forward spot, as Bertans is the only other player listed.

Hachimura and Schofield will likely need to step into significant starting roles due to lack of depth at their respective positions. With both players entering their first NBA seasons, how will Scott Brooks and the Wizards’ training team manage minutes for both forward positions in a way that will neither place significant stress nor strain Hachimura or Schofield?

It will be necessary to ensure that both rookies get the minutes they deserve so that they can contribute to the team and continue to develop their skills. Managing the burden that the two first-year players might have may prove to be key for the Wizards to succeed this year.

While 2019-2020 will be a developmental season, both Hachimura and Schofield must have opportunities to refine their game on the court. But it’s even more significant that they remain healthy physically and mentally over the 82-game stretch, and hopefully into the postseason as well.