NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest
By Corey Rausch
142. . . . Washington Wizards. 15. team
Dearly Departed: John Wall, Jerian Grant, Ian Mahinmi, Shabazz Napier, Admiral Schofield
New Additions: Russell Westbrook, Deni Avdija, Robin Lopez, Raul Neto, Cassius Winston
Win Projection/Prediction: 33.5/Over
While things may take time to mesh in Atlanta, the Washington Wizards should be ready to go from day one. Russell Westbrook is the type of player who brings an intensity to every single regular-season game that was sorely missed in recent years in the nation’s capital. He is an imperfect superstar in that he does not fit every situation.
He fits here, though, and should all but guarantee them a spot in the postseason. Bradley Beal is one of the best scorers in the league (30.5 points per game last year) and will have an elite backcourt mate for the first time in years. Westbrook is quite familiar with coach Scott Brooks and should feel no growing pains there.
Washington Wizards: Player grades 2019-2020. light. Related Story
The rest of the roster is primed to make the most of Westbrook and Beal’s talents. Davis Bertans may be overpaid now but he is a sniper. He had a career year in Washington last year, averaging 15.4 points and shooting 42.4 percent from 3-point range on 8.7 attempts per game. Robin Lopez may have struggled last year but he is not Ian Mahinmi. Progress?
Deni Avdija is also possibly the steal of the draft. He was a projected top-five pick and getting him at nine is a stroke of luck. Westbrook needs shooting around him to thrive in the current NBA. This team has that. The Wizards may not be able to guard anyone but they should be a joy to watch on the offensive end of the floor.