Whether or not Bradley Beal (L) and John Wall got along was a major talking point this offseason (Getty)
After reaching the second round of the NBA Playoffs in two consecutive seasons the Washington Wizards did not make the playoffs in 2015-16, breaking even with 41 wins and 41 losses and having starting two-guard Bradley Beal miss 27 games due to injury. Beal’s missed 81 games over his four-year career, something that did not keep the franchise from signing him to a max contract worth $128 million over five years this summer.
He and John Wall form one of the more talented backcourt tandems in the NBA, but the chatter this offseason was about whether or not the two could continue to coexist. They said all the right things during media day, but Beal and Wall will set the tone for the Wizards this season. And if they’re on the same page, not to mention healthy, the Wizards can rebound from a disappointing 2015-16.
Here’s a look at the roster:
Wizards Projected Starting Lineup
G: John Wall (19.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 10.2 apg) While Beal was in and out of the lineup for health reasons Wall did his best to shoulder the load, leading the Wizards in scoring and finishing third in the NBA in assists per game. Wall was also fourth in the league in assist percentage (46.2), but the question now is when he’ll be cleared to return to the court. Wall underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee during the offseason, and while he’s getting closer to returning to 5-on-5 action neither he nor the team are looking to rush things.
G: Bradley Beal (17.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.9 apg) As noted above Beal missed 27 games last season due to various health issues, which impacted the Wizards offensively as one would expect. Washington ranked 20th in offensive efficiency, and with Wall sidelined for now Beal’s return becomes that much more important for the Wizards.
F: Otto Porter (11.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) After being a role player in each of his first two NBA seasons, Porter emerged as a consistent scoring option on the wing in year three. Porter shot 47.3 percent from the field and just over 36 percent from three in 2015-16, showing that he can handle a major role within the Wizards’ offense. And it’s expected that with Scott Brooks now in charge, Porter could take another step forward in his development.
F: Markeiff Morris (12.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg) There’s no denying the fact that Markieff was in need of a change of scenery given the way things ended in Phoenix, with twin brother Marcus being traded to Detroit before the 2015-16 season. Markieff was traded to the Wizards at the trade deadline in February, and he averaged 12.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with the team. Washington gave up a lot for Morris, including their first round pick in June’s NBA Draft, but thus far the move has been a positive one for both the player and his new franchise.
C: Marcin Gortat (13.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg) Gortat made 74 starts for the Wizards last season, just missing out on averaging a double-double for the second time in his NBA career (2011-12 in Phoenix). A 56.7 percent shooter from the field in 2015-16, Gortat’s offensive rating of 114 was tops on the team (tied with Jared Dudley). A good low post scorer, Gortat has a good understanding of where he’s most effective and is also good in ball screen actions.
Wizards Projected Bench
Marcin Gortat will once again be the man in the middle (Getty)
G: Trey Burke (10.6 ppg, 2.3 apg) Burke was traded to the Wizards by Utah, who in July sent the 2013 first round pick to D.C. in exchange for a second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. While Burke still averaged double figures in scoring last season, he didn’t get a single start on a team with significant point guard issues after starting a total of 111 games in his first two seasons as a pro. He’ll back up Wall in Washington, and with the starter still rehabbing from offseason knee surgery maybe Burke gets some starts to begin the regular season.
G: Marcus Thornton (9.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) Thornton, who played in 61 games in Houston and Washington last season, agreed to a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum of $980,431 in late July. In his 14 appearances for the Wizards last season Thornton averaged 8.4 points in 16 minutes per game.
G/F: Tomas Satoransky (Rookie) Selected 32nd overall by the Wizards in the 2012 NBA Draft, Satoransky will finally make the move to the NBA. Satoransky spent the last two seasons with FC Barcelona Lassa of the Spanish ACB, where he averaged 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in all competitions last year. A solid shooter, the 6-foot-7 Satoransky is also capable of being a playmaker on the wing.
F/G: Kelly Oubre Jr. (3.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg) Oubre’s adjustment to the NBA didn’t come without growing pains, as the team’s first round selection in the 2015 NBA Draft played just 10.7 minutes per game. But with Jared Dudley (Phoenix; 41 starts in 2015-16) and Garrett Temple (Sacramento; 43 starts in 2015-16) both moving on, there’s an opening for the Kansas product to earn more playing time in 2016-17. Oubre played well at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, and the more opportunities he received last season the more confident Oubre was on the floor.
F: Andrew Nicholson (6.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg) After four seasons in Orlando Nicholson has moved on, signing with the Wizards in July for four years, $26 million. Nicholson shot 47 percent from the field and 36 percent from three last season, but the key for him in Washington will be to not neglect his ability to score in the post in favor of hoisting perimeter shots.
F/C: Jason Smith (7.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg) The 7-footer out of Colorado State also made the move from Orlando to Washington as the Magic made major changes to their front court rotation. Smith played in 76 games for the Magic last season, shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Smith and the Wizards agreed to terms on a three-year, $16 million contract this offseason.
C: Ian Mahinmi (9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg) Mahinmi was Washington’s biggest free agent signing this summer, as the two sides agreed to a four-year deal worth $64 million. Washington made this move after losing out on Al Horford, and while Mahinmi is coming off of his best season as a pro this was a decision that puzzled some people. Was last year a “flash in the pan” for Mahinmi, or was that him showing signs of the player he can be when given ample opportunities to contribute? We shall see.
Other Players in Wizards Training Camp
Kelly Oubre Jr. looks to take a step forward in 2016-17 (Getty)
G Casper Ware
G Danuel House
G Sheldon McClellan
G/F Jarell Eddie
F Daniel Ochefu
F/C Johnny O’Bryant
Washington has a total of 18 players in training camp, with 12 of them on guaranteed deals. Of the six players without guaranteed contracts Eddie has the most experience with the Wizards franchise as he played in 26 games for them last season. Ware, House and McClellan will also be in competition for roster spots on the perimeter, and with there being no timetable as to when John Wall will return to action the Wizards may be inclined to grab another guard capable of handling the ball.
House and McClellan, who played at Texas A&M and Miami respectively last season, are both athletic wings who can score at any level on the court. Ware’s been a professional for a couple seasons after putting together an outstanding college career at Long Beach State, and as a point guard who can both distribute and score the Wall situation may open the door for him to earn a spot. O’Bryant spent two seasons with the Bucks, averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Ochefu won a national title at Villanova last season, and his improvements as a post scorer and rim protector throughout his time there make him a candidate to stick in the NBA.
Wizards Coaching Staff
Head coach: Scott Brooks (First season; 338-207 career record.)
Assistant coaches: Tony Brown, Chad Iske, Sidney Lowe, Maz Trakh, Mike Terpstra
UPDATE (10/21): The Wizards waived Casper Ware, Jarell Eddie and Johnny O’Bryant.
