December 29, 2018; 7:15 pm, The city of Washington cries out in terror. John Wall, their main man, is out for the season with a heel injury
It left many wondering “The Wizards are underdogs with Wall and more without him… should we tank for the season and try to get Zion R.J. or Cam, or should we all try our hardest and try to make the playoffs?” Well in today’s article I’ll be analysing and seeing what could happen with both scenarios
What if the Wizards Tank?
The Wizards are 14-23 on December 30, 11th in the Eastern Conference. If they tank they will have some competition with the 9-28 Phoenix Suns and Knicks along with the 8-29 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Phoenix Suns had a 21-61 record last season and got the 1st pick in the NBA Draft. If that record gets the number 1 pick again this year that would mean the Wizards would have to win only 7 more games for the rest of the season. 2 and a half months have passed and the lowest win total is 8. The Wizards have to get only 7 wins in 3 and a half months, the Suns and Knicks would have to get 13 wins whilst the Cavs would have to get 14 wins, twice what the Wizards would have to get. Jim’s probability rating for this scenario: 4/10
What if the Wizards strive to make the playoffs?
This, like the first possibility, is very unlikely. I mean no harm to Wizards fans, but the stats say the truth. Wall leads the Wizards in assists, steals, and blocks, and is very close behind Bradley Beal in points. Dwight Howard is also out until late February. These are the 3 best players for the Wizards that can play right now: Bradley Beal, Otto Porter JR, and Jeff Green, according to NBA 2k19. Bradley Beal 87 ovr, Otto Porter JR 80 ovr, and Jeff Green 78 ovr. This team will most likely not make the playoffs. Unless they make a blockbuster move that includes Bradley Beal and their own 2019 first round pick. I looked up this deal on NBA 2k19 using the trade finder and found moves that included CJ McCollum, Kris Middleton, Lauri Markannen, Kevin Love, Hassan Whiteside, Kemba Walker, Victor Oladipo, Blake Griffin, and Devin Booker. Tell us in the comments which trade interests you! Anyway, Jim’s probability for this scenario: 4/10
What should the Wizards do?
I think that they should do neither. I think that this is the NBA god’s signal that this is the time to start a rebuild. The Wizards can make a few moves with the players that they have to get better, young players that they can use to be successful in the future. This injury could be a good thing, and the organization is wallowing in self-pity. It’s the perfect time.
Jim James
Postscript by Bob
No matter what the Wizards decide to do, they will by whackslapped by a 40+ million dollar contract for John Wall that is quickly coming. Good luck Washington.