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When asking anybody why the Washington Wizards failed to make this season’s NBA playoffs, many will refer to injuries or Randy Wittman‘s lack of in-game adjustments, but the answer is much simpler than that. The biggest problem was that the roster was so different, making it impossible for this team to have any chemistry that would have carried over from two consecutive Eastern Conference Semifinal appearances.
Ernie Grunfeld and the rest of Washington’s front office totally shook up the roster after the 2014-15 season came to its end in order to give Wittman a team that was going to stretch the floor and produce huge offensive numbers. The pieces themselves may have somewhat been in the right situation, but with all of these different scorers who did not know how to work well together, the season went south very quickly.
Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors made moves to improve during the offseason, but these were just for a piece or two rather than the bulk of the roster. Their cores remained intact, but role players were brought in to do certain jobs. Whereas Washington’s new players were expected to make an impact, these players were only asked to fill a role.
With only six players under contract for next season, keeping a large amount of continuity may be a struggle, but it has to be done. Re-signing Bradley Beal will be a starting point, but bringing back at least three other expiring contracts is a must.
Player/Coach Brooks? Wizards coach responds to @BenStandig on how they’ll fill roster spots pic.twitter.com/AY4VOZjbdk
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) April 28, 2016
If there is room for improvement, the team should obviously try to put together the best roster possible, but bringing new players to DC who may not see the floor at all is a far different story. Signing Kevin Durant is one thing, but going after a player who rarely sees the court on their own team is a trap.
The franchise cannot just expect John Wall to lead a totally new group of players to the playoffs next season, and must surround him with a bit of familiarity. It’s time to not make the same mistake over again. Hopefully something was learned from this failed attempt last season.
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