The Washington Wizards have become into one of the surprises in this start of the season. They have a current record of 10 wins and 3 defeats and are on top of the competitive Eastern conference. They have reached the first spot by going unnoticed and we will now have to see how long they can keep their astonishing dynamic.
What has changed to the last season?
The Washington Wizards were a poor team a year ago despite having stars like Bradley Beal and the addition of Russell Westbrook. They struggle without a franchise player like John Wall and they ended the season going into the Playoffs as the 8th position with 34 wins and 38 defeats. They fell to Philadelphia 76ers in the first round by 4-1.
There was work to do. Russell Westbrook did not fit in the roster and was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Kyle Kuzma. This trade looked balanced, but eventually seems like the Washington have made the most out of it. The outcomes prove it.
The other key factor has been the change of coach. The Washington Wizards and Scoot Brooks separated ways after being knocked out in the Playoffs. Brooks has been the head coach for five years and has made it to the Playoffs three times. The franchise from DC has averaged 41,7% of wins (183 wins and 207 defeats) under him. The chosen one to substitute him has been Wes Unseld Jr, a coach that has made his debut in the NBA after being the assistant coach at the Denver Nuggets, where he has made himself a name in the league.
The keys of the Wizards:
The new signs have really fit in the team. The Washington Wizards are known for a collective game where all the players have a specific role. We just have to take a look at the stats: Bradley Beal, Montrezl Harrell, Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma all average more than 14 points per game.
Furthermore, they have really improved on defense. The ring protection system by Wes Unseld Jr is working out. The Washington Wizards are the 4th team in defensive ration in the league. Unseld Jr is doing a great job. The defense is now better and the Wizards re now more united. The players support the coach 100%: “He nows how to unite and make the most out of us. This is something very important”, said Deni Avdija.
We have just hd month into the competition and everything can happen in the NBA, but this Washington Wizards are standing out and have reached the Eastern peak by going unnoticed. How fa do you think they can make it? Will they be the revelation team?
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.
Main image: Web Washington Wizards.