Ranking Washington Wizards' 10 Biggest Developments in 2013-14 Season so Far
An 82-game NBA season presents many opportunities for twists and turns for every team.
Now that the Washington Wizards are firmly entrenched in their 2013-14 campaign, rotations have begun to shake out and they've given way to several intriguing developments—such as the addition of Marcin Gortat, the emergence of Bradley Beal and the continued longevity of John Wall.
This list will rank the top 10 developments through the first month of the season for the Wizards.
In order to qualify for ranking, a development must play a large role in the success of the team going forward and into the playoffs. As such, a development can be positive or negative.
10 Biggest Developments in Season's Early Going
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While there have been many interesting and significant developments and storylines in the early season— such as Trevor Booker being in and out of the starting lineup, John Wall's new contract or the possible trade of Trevor Ariza—this list will focus on the 10 most critical progressions in the 2013-14 NBA season.
10. Still Waiting for Production from 2010 NBA Draft Class
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With two first round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Wizards thought they had struck gold with two big bodies in Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton—additions made to improve a low-producing frontcourt.
The duo has displayed similar levels of production in their third year as they did the first two. While Singleton continues to be battered by injuries, Vesely is averaging just 2.9 points per game (stat via Espn.go.com).
9. Ariza and Webster
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Many teams don't have two players with similar skill sets that should both be starting.
The Wizards are fortunate enough to have two very capable scorers and defenders at the 3 spot in Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster. The duo is combining to average 26.6 points per game—accounting for roughly 25 percent of the team's scoring offense—to go along with 8.6 rebounds (stats via Espn.go.com).
8. Strengthened Bench
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For the first time in quite a while, the Wizards have several reliable offensive players to bring off the bench.
Small forward Martell Webster has been shuffled in and out of the starting lineup. He's averaging 11.8 points per game to go with 4.7 rebounds.
The veteran leadership of Al Harrington has provided a much-needed boost for the young Wizards squad. The former Orlando Magic power forward is averaging 7.9 points per game in 18 minutes (stats via Espn.go.com).
7. Team Defense
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Team defense has, perhaps, been an area of concern in the season's early going.
Despite averaging 4.23 blocks per game and 30.7 defensive rebounds, the Wizards have given up an average of 101.3 points per game—10th worst in the NBA (stats via Espn.go.com).
6. Porter Hurt
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The large expectations placed on Wizards 2013 first round pick Otto Porter Jr. have been put on hold in the wake of a nagging right hip flexor strain (h/t Michael Lee WashingtonPost.com) that's kept the former Georgetown Hoya out of action for the better part of the 2013-14 season.
He shows no sign of returning any time soon.
5. Team Offense
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Though the season is still young, the Wizards offense is the best it's looked in years.
Primarily, this can be attributed to a good mix of young and veteran talent, a big new weapon in the front-court in Marcin Gortat and overall improvement of young in-house players.
Behind the revitalized effort, Washington is averaging 99.1 points per game—the highest total in that department since the 2006-07 season (stats via Espn.go.com).
4. Continued Longevity of John Wall
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Knock on wood, the Wizards' superstar point guard hasn't suffered a major injury in his first three years.
Quite the opposite, in fact, as Wall has been the face of consistency and hasn't disappointed this season.
With new weapons around him, the former Kentucky Wildcat has tallied a career-high 8.9 assists per game—placing him second in the NBA among active point guards. His high assist numbers are complemented by a very respectable 18.6 points per game, also a career high (stats via Espn.go.com).
3. Team Chemistry
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Something that the Wizards haven't had in recent years is good team chemistry. As previously mentioned, the team is in sync both on the offensive and defensive ends.
In fact, the "Wizkids" are averaging 24.2 team assists, due in large part to Wall's longevity—the most by far of any Wizards team this millennium (stat via Espn.go.com).
2. Addition of Marcin Gortat
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While some fans were skeptical of the offseason trade that brought Marcin Gortat to Washington from the Phoenix Suns, many are beginning to sing a different tune.
Through the first month of the 2013-14 season, Gortat has collected six double-doubles—good enough for sixth best in the NBA among active centers. Additionally, the Polish Hammer has accrued a career-high 1.7 blocks, adding to the previously-mentioned team defense, per game to go with 12.2 points and 9.8 rebounds (stats via Espn.go.com).
1. Emergence of Bradley Beal
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Bradley Beal has been tremendous through the first month of his sophomore campaign. The previously-mentioned team offense has been much improved due to his contribution.
Beal gets the top spot because of how much the offense has progressed, compounded with the efforts of Gortat.
The former Florida Gator is averaging a team-high 20.6 points per game to go along with 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists (stats via Espn.go.com). He's beginning to live up to the hype of being a first-round pick, and is taking an enormous load off of John Wall's shoulders.
Will Grooms is a student in the B/R sports media program. You can find more of his work at Collegiate Times and follow him on Twitter at w_grooms94.
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