Washington Wizards: 2019-20 NBA season preview

Predictions

The Washington Wizards are not favored to make the postseason heading into 2019-2020. The expectations for the Wizards are more centered on player growth and progression. With Bradley Beal can develop into a veritable offensive threat, Sheppard and Brooks think that Hachimura, Schofield, Wagner, Bonga and Jones are capable of achieving the same feat.

There is a high potential for Washington to build up the young players that Sheppard and the management have added. After experiencing a turbulent season filled with trades and turnover, the Wizards finally have a chance to achieve some consistency and another playoff berth.

Wall will ideally return, but what’s most important for the team is that Bryant and the Wizards’ young core succeed in refining their game and fitting in nicely under Beal’s leadership. Managing the workload for Beal, Smith, Hachimura and Bryant will also certainly be key.

Bryant will hopefully have another breakout season, and Thomas will ideally succeed in his desire to once again reach a league-leading performance level.

The Wizards lost a couple of important pieces during the 2019 offseason. What will define this season is whether the team’s supporting cast can step up their game to help take the pressure off of Beal in Wall’s prolonged absence.

The 2019-2020 season will likely not prove to be a resounding success for the Wizards, in terms of their regular season and playoff standings. If Sheppard and the management can convince Beal to stay with the team and a couple of more players can improve throughout the season, the Wizards’ core will remain strong, and Washington may be able to rise to a postseason berth.