Finally, the Wizards are starting to get healthy again; Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans, and Thomas Bryant have all returned to the lineup. However, before anyone returned from injury, the Wizards, without 6 rotation players, had upset the Celtics, Heat, and Nuggets. G-leaguers are getting their chances, playing hard, and winning ball games. Gary Payton II has impressed the front office so much with his defense and athleticism that the Wizards have decided to waive Justin Robinson. Off of the bench, Jordan McRae has been an absolute stud scoring at will, and Garrison Matthews – now injured- has proven to be a streaky, but lethal, outside shooter.
Judging by the development of the young guys and the effort being put forth every night, you’d assume that all is right with the Wizards. However, Bradley Beal, who signed a 2-year extension this summer, is apparently more frustrated with the team than ever before.
I’m sorry… What?? I could not be more confused by this. First off, Bradley Beal returned 3 games ago on a minute restriction, and Bertans just returned after missing 9 games. On top of that, the atrocious Isaiah Thomas is the starting PG, and Thomas Bryant, who cannot play a lick of defense, is the starting center. What does Beal expect?? Oddly enough, the team was playing better before everyone started returning from injury. Tommy Sheppard has put enough pieces together to make the Wizards competitive-ish, and he will have plenty of options at the trade deadline because of it. I hope Beal can get over his irrational frustration and let Sheppard continue to work.
The Good News
I’m just going to leave this tweet here to get everyone excited for no tangible reason ^
One player that has stood out to me recently is Troy Brown. Ever since Scott Brooks started bringing Brown off of the bench, he has regained his confidence. Over the past 10 games, he has been putting up 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds on 48% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Troy Brown, welcome back.
The Wizards are full of role players, and a lot of them are playing very well which means trades could be coming. Along with Troy Brown playing well, Thomas Bryant has continued to play with high energy. I like Bryant because he works hard, but he still is a horrific defender. I could see players like Brown, Bryant, and even possibly Davis Bertans being involved with trades in the near future. At the trade deadline, Bertans will likely have the highest value because of his lethal outside shooting, so the Wizards will have a tough decision to make in regards to his future.
If you ask me, I’m very happy with where this team is headed. Mahinmi’s contract is expiring, McRae is a bucket, Gary Payton II locks up on defense, Troy Brown is good when confident, Ish Smith can flat out ball (and is under contract again next year), Beal is still a stud, Bertans can light it up, Wall is rehabbing nicely, and SO MANY OF THESE GUYS ARE GOOD TRADE ASSETS.
I understand that Beal is frustrated because he wants to win, but he needs to be more patient because this organization is headed in the right direction. Wow, it’s been a while since us Wizards’ fans have been able to say that.
Boo On The Bullets 