Washington Wizards
Southeast Division
Last season's record: 44-38
Roster additions and losses:
No playoff team from last season was more aggressive in improving their roster than the Washington Wizards. Looking to build off a near first-round upset of the Indiana Pacers the Wizards are clearly looking to challenge for a division title this season. A loss to the roster was the stretch-four Trevor Ariza who really spaced the floor for that offence. Ariza was a loss no question about it; however, the Wizards brass reached out and immediately found a suitable and more versatile replacement.
The Wizards welcomed the future hall-of-famer Paul Pierce to the mix in hopes that Pierce has enough left in the tank to still be a threat. Along with Pierce the Wizards added Kris Humphries who will help Marcin Gortat and Nene out in the frontcourt. Humphries can still add to the defensive and in spot roles he could chip in with a few buckets to ease some pressure from the guards.
Keys to Success:
Just like last year, the ebb and flow of this team falls squarely on the shoulders of all-star John Wall. Wall must continue to be the leader for this team, both on the floor and statistically. If Wall carries with him a chip on his shoulder from being bumped off the Fiba USA Basketball Team and invokes his anger on the rest of the Association, this could be a banner year for not only him but the Wizards as well.
The newly acquired Pierce must allow Wall to be the leader, yet still assert himself in the locker room when required. Pierce was brought on board not just for his on-court contributions, but for that behind-the-scenes leadership traits. If Pierce can instill some of those leadership qualities in Wall and allow Wall to be the vocal leader; this team will make some waves come playoff time.
Fantasy Roster Impact:
Aside from the obvious fantasy impact of having John Wall on your roster there are a couple more less-obvious choices to go with from the roster. Bradley Beal showed a huge improvement last season and displayed a much more well-rounded game than many pundits thought he possessed. If Beal can go for around 15 ppg, 4 apg and 4 rpg, he has some serious fantasy value.
My favorite pick off the Wizards is the ‘Polish Hammer’ Marcin Gortat. He is a near double-double guy who battles the boards, knows his limitations offensively and shoots a great percentage. Re-signing Gortat was a priority for the Wizards this off-season for good reason; he is a major contributor on both ends of the court and statistically his 13.5 ppg and 9.5 rpg make him a coveted fantasy-center option.
2014 Season Prediction:
The Wizards enter the season with aspirations of a division title. They sense the opportunity given the new pieces in Miami. The Division should be a closely contested one, but I do see the Wizards coming out on top with a 55-27 record. This would mark an eleven win improvement on last year; however, it is very attainable for this bunch.
Expect Wall to get another all-star nod and Beal should also generate some attention in this regard. I think that voters will have a hard time ignoring Marcin Gortat and his contributions, therefor I do see him getting a nomination as well.
With a division title, the Wizards will have a top-three playoff spot sewed up as well. With that they get home-court advantage through the first-round at minimum. Expect the Wizards to get through the first-round with relative ease; however, the second-round will likely bring about the likes of the Chicago Bulls or Cleveland Cavaliers and Wizards won’t beat either of those teams.