Wall and Beal set to lead Wizards this season.
Our team-by-team countdown to the new NBA season continues with a closer look at the Washington Wizards, who will be hoping to stay healthy and push for a place in the Eastern Conference play-offs this season.
The biggest issue with the Wizards last season was the inability to keep their key players fit, with John Wall (33 games), Bradley Beal (26 games), Trevor Ariza (26 games) and Nene (21 games) all sitting out for significant periods of the season.
As a result, they slipped to a 29-53 record with only a trio of teams faring worse while they were never really in contention of threatening those above in extending their year beyond the regular season.
However, considering the talent on that roster and the faith now placed in Wall at point guard after agreeing on his new contract, the franchise will be fully aware of the fact that they possess a talented group of players who must stay clear of injury.
Otto Porter and Glen Rice Jr. were drafted earlier this summer, while Al Harrington and Eric Maynor were added to provide depth and quality.
As a result, with the season fast approaching there can be optimism surrounding their hopes for the campaign ahead as they will form part of a group of teams battling for the final few places in the post-season.
Competition will predictably be stiff given that the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks will be challenging for the same spots so a positive and confidence-boosting start to the year may be essential.
Nevertheless, it promises to be a defining season for various figures in Washington, from players to coaches and general managers, but with Wall and Beal leading the way they should have the weapons required to launch a genuine bid for play-off basketball.
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