Predicting the 2022-23 Washington Wizards starting lineup

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards reacts to a play against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2022 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Monte Morris, Denver Nuggets (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards projected starting point guard: Monte Morris

Morris got a lot of run last season with Jamal Murray recovering from a knee injury, and the veteran guard filled in more than admirably: he ranked in the 85th percentile in offensive Estimated Plus/Minus (EPM), torched the nets from 3-point range (39.5 percent overall, 42.2 percent on catch-and-shoot 3’s), and provided some solid playmaking alongside passing magician Nikola Jokic (79th percentile in assist rate, 86th percentile in Box Creation).

With his scoring punch off the bounce and as a floor spacer, Morris will alleviate some of Bradley Beal’s scoring responsibilities. Add in some value as a cutter (1.41 PPP, per BBall Index) and you’ve got a pretty versatile replacement for the guards the Wizards trotted out last year. Of course, Morris won’t have Jokic tossing him precise dimes on those darts to the rim, so we’ll see if he’s nearly as effective this year.

Defensively, the Wizards will find it challenging to hide Morris on weaker offensive players, but it will be a necessity to get the most out of him on that end of the court. While not a complete lost cause on defense — he navigated screens well and mostly stayed attached to players off the ball — it’s best to limit his role and hope for the best.

Still, he’s a clear upgrade over what the Wizards had last year.

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