Washington Wizards records this season has been very bad, ranking at the bottom five of the Eastern Conference. But their improvement goes very slowly as they now have 9-14 records.
The Wizards have all ingredients to make them a respectable team. A solid point guard John Wall, excellent shooters Bradley Beal and Wall with strong front court players Marcin Gortat. However they are unable to blend the ingredients well as they are very weak in both offense and defense. According to Basketball Insiders, the Wizards ranked 19th in defensive efficiency rating, allowing opponents to score 105.2 points per 100 possessions.
They are better in the defense than Houston Rockets in the 20th position, but the Rockets has a very good offense while for Washington Wizards their offense is as bad as their defense. Ranked 17th in offensive efficiency in the league. Therefore, the opportunity for them to get into the playoffs seems very bleak.
The questions with the Wizards remains the same, What is wrong with them?
NBA.com analyst David Aldridge look deeper into the Wizards problem. He found out the current roster was a result of the two-year ambition to attract Kevin Durant joining the Washington Wizards.
Durant, who grew up in Maryland was expected to join them and play in the team close to his hometown. The Washington Wizards management decided to make a room for Durant’s the salary cap, by signing multiple veteran players in one-year deal in 2015-16 season. However, Durant had stated that he didn’t have interest to play in the D.C. area.
The expectation went bust and as they have no replacement for Paul Pierce, the Wizards also have problem in their depth. Wall and Beal have no solid substitute off-the bench. While Gortat and Markieff Morris practically fight alone in the front court.
They are now 9-14 after losing 101-112 against the Miami Heat on Monday, Dec. 12. This Wednesday the Wizards will have to host Charlotte Hornets that have 14-11 records.
Watch the highlight of the game between the Wizards and Miami Heat below: