3 Wizards That Must Step Their Game Up

"Come on!"

Is my usual reaction when watching Wizards miss easy layups or open jumpers. While superficial sports fans sit reading the box score wondering, "how have the Wizards not won a game yet?" The answer to this question is simple:

The starters are not playing to their potential. Even experienced players aren't making smart decisions. 

If the Wizards want to start winning games, there are a few key players that must step up in order to create a winning team environment.

Enjoy!

For more Washington Wizards news, be sure to read 5 Reasons the Washington Wizard Must Move Andray Blatche to Improve.

Rashard Lewis

Age: 32

Position: SF

NBA Experience: 13 Years

Rashard Lewis is the only member of the starting lineup over the age of 25. In a team where youth is the main priority, Lewis, as an experienced NBA player, must become a leader. While Blatche currently holds the title of "captain", Lewis is much more suitable for that title. 

The problem is, Lewis isn't leading. He is a background player, barely mustering maybe 10 point per game. He isn't grabbing rebounds or dishing out assist for that matter.

Yet him scoring or getting double-doubles isn't the biggest dilemma he faces. Its becoming a leader. 

In a team riddled with youngsters, looking for guidance in Washington, Lewis isn't stepping up. He, and others like Mason, are leaving it for Wall, Young and Crawford to learn from experience not from leadership. 

If the Wizards are going to make use of their Number 1 draft pick, they are going to have to mold him into a fine PG. If he is not guided, he will become another Blatche, and as I explained in my other article, the Wizards do not need another Blatche.

Andray Blatche

Age: 25

Position: PF

NBA Experience: 6 Years

As I explained in the last slide, leadership is out of the question for Blatche and should be left for Lewis and Mason. Therefore Blatche needs to start putting up the points and assisting Wall and Young.

Blatche averages 12 PPG. It is not as low as it could be, but can be much better. The problem isn't that he can't score, it is that he does not make the right decisions. He does not play smart basketball.

For example, Blatche is dolled out the ball for a mid-range jump shot. While he could shoot the ball there and most likely score, he does not. He chooses to drive the ball hard to the rim for a layup.

Blatche has defended himself by saying he'd be more useful at a low post position, rather than the guy that pops J's. Not that this statement is untrue, but Blatche needs to step up and learn to take a good jump shot when needed. Why play one position when you could easily become flexible at two.

If the Wizards are going to keep Blatche he needs to be a smarter, more productive player. 

John Wall

Age: 21

Position: PG

NBA Experience: 1 Year

John Wall has started this season rough. Yet he can not be blamed for the downfall of this Wizards' team.

A good PG always looks for ways to create opportunities for other players before taking shots themselves. If Wall is dishing out would-be assists to players who can't finish, he will eventually get frustrated. 

He will start taking shots instead of passing, and the ratio of FG shots to passes completed will become about even. Wall's FG percentage doesn't look very good, never going above .500. Yet the percentage would skyrocket if he started passing like he used to. 

As a sophomore year PG, Wall has matured greatly. He realizes he is not the star he was in college. He isn't becoming frustrated and playing badly. Yet he should never give up on passing. Once players start taking shots they can not make over and over again, the team fails. 

Wall must bring his APG average higher, but can only do so if players like Blatche take the right shots when given the ball. When Wall has the confidence the pass when in trouble and not shoot, his FG percentage will go up, and he will eventually score more points.

Conclusion

In order for the Wizards to start putting up points and winning games, these three players must step their game up. If they do not, the Wizards will go yet another season at the bottom of the league.

I hope you enjoyed my article!

Please do not hesitate to leave your opinion in the comment section below if you disagree with anything posted in this article.

Be sure to read How the Shortened Season Will Affect Top Teams!