The Washington Wizards came into the 2021-22 NBA season with no one knowing exactly what to expect from them. However, after a hot start and a 5-1 record, they are looking like a potential contender in the Eastern Conference. Led by Bradley Beal, this team has shown a great offense and a very solid all-around defense.
All of the success the Wizards have had has come without Rui Hachimura. No one knows when or if Hachimura will re-join his teammates, but that addition could be a big one as well.
So far, the Wizards have loved what they have seen from their offseason additions. Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Aaron Holiday, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have all fit in nicely. They seem to be playing comfortably for the first time in awhile. If that success continues, this Wizards team will be very tough to beat with how deep they are.
One NBA scout spoke to NBA Analysis Network about the Wizards and what to expect from them moving forward.
“I wanted to see how Washington looked together with all the new faces they brought in. We’ve all seen it so far and there is plenty of room for his roster to grow together. I’m comfortable saying that the Wizards could be a potential dark horse contenders in the East.”
What a bold statement to make just six games into the season. But, the Wizards are earning that kind of praise.
Beal has opened the season playing at a very high level, as usual. He is going to be the driving force behind Washington and they need him to stay healthy. Despite all of the trade rumors surrounding him, Beal has not wavered in his loyalty to the franchise.
Behind him, Kuzma has been proving the Lakers and all of his doubters wrong early on. Harrell has been a high-profile scorer and rebounder for the Wizards. Holiday and Caldwell-Pope have fit in nicely as role players.
Dinwiddie has been an excellent replacement for Russell Westbrook. He isn’t as ball dominant, which has allowed Beal to get back to playing his game.
If Hachimura does come back this season, the Wizards are going to add even more depth to their roster. Washington fans finally have something to be happy about. This team is legitimate and won’t be easy to beat in the regular season or a seven-game playoff series.
Expect to see the Wizards continue to play well as the season moves forward. They may not end up winning a championship this year, but they are headed in the right direction and could be a team to watch in the East.
