Washington Wizards Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCESoutheast DivisionWashington Wizards

Oct 15

Our Washington Wizards preview 2021 notes that this team has been exceptionally uneven. In 1978, they won their first and only NBA title. The next year, they made it back to the Finals, losing to the Sonics four games to one. Since then, over the past 42 years, the Wizards have never gotten past the semifinals. In 17 postseason appearances, Washington has been eliminated in the first round a dozen times. Last season, the Washington Wizards (34-38) finished third in the Southeast and eighth in the East. After making it through the Play-In Round, the Wizards lost to the 76ers four games to one. For this season, we expect less from this team.

Wizards Frontcourt

Small forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, an eight-year veteran, knows how to win. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 28.4 MPG hitting 43.1 percent of his field goals and 41.0 percent of his threes. Our Washington Wizards preview 2021 observes that Kyle Kuzma, who can play small or power, will likely take on the power spot. Kuzma, who starts his fifth NBA season, spent his first four years with LA. He’s a solid offensive player and good rebounder. However, his defensive skills need development.

In his first season with the Wizards, center Daniel Gafford put in quality minutes. Gafford, who averaged 17.8 MPG, was good on 68.1 percent of his field goals. He moves up to start. Now in his third season, Rui Hachimura will sub in frequently as will six-year swingman Montrezl Harrell.

Washington Wizards Preview – Backcourt

Russell Westbrook is gone. Who will replace him? Spencer Dinwiddie, who came to Washington on the Westbrook deal with Brooklyn, brings sound shooting and passing skills to the court. However, last season, Dinwiddie played just three games due to various health issues. He’s a sound 20 PPG and 6.5 APG guy. Aaron Holiday is a serviceable backup.

Shooting guard Bradley Beal is a scoring threat from anywhere on the court. Last season, Beal averaged 31.3 PPG and 4.4 APG over 35.8 MPG. He’s a 48.5% field-goal shooter and a 34.9 percent three-point man. Rookie Corey Kispert, former Gonzaga star and Washington’s top draft pick, will likely be given opportunities in the backcourt.