The Wizards Are Good, But What Is Their Ceiling?

The Wizards are a completely different team this year. From their roster, to their identity on the court, it's clear they've finally put themselves in position to climb out of NBA purgatory.

For years it was always about just trying to add whatever Band-Aid they could just to squeak into the playoffs, but now they have a roster that resembles an actual plan and a much more promising future.

Finally...Some Defense

Defense has been the biggest change. Washington is now seventh in points allowed, compared to dead-last or second-to-last the previous two seasons. They're the fourth-best team in defending the 3, another massive weakness in years past, along with becoming a much better rim-protecting team, now seventh in blocks.

The depth has been a major plus for this organization now as well, with 11 different players averaging at least 13 minutes a game. Not everyone's going out there and lighting it up scoring-wise either. It's been about everyone knowing their roles. Per StatMuse: Opponents are shooting 34.9% when guarded by Deni Avdija, which is the lowest mark in the league by any player with at least 150 shots defended. That’s 9.1% lower than the opponent’s normal FG%, also the best mark in the league. The Wizards have the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA.

Avdija, last year's first-round pick, is young and raw but found his role on this team, and it's lock-down defense.

Not A Title Contender

This isn't even a roster at full strength either. Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant are still working their way back, which creates some questions for head coach Wes Unseld Jr.

What does this rotation look like then? Who loses minutes? What about the starting lineup?

The Wizards' growth this year has been exponential. To be a championship contender, though, another star playing alongside Bradley Beal is necessary, and they have the assets to make that move should they try and pursue it. Rotations get shorter in the playoffs, and depth matters a lot less, so it would make sense to go that route if they can. The NBA is a star-driven league, and you need multiple guys who can take over a tight playoff game.

For now, though, the foundation GM Tommy Sheppard built is strong, and has a bright future.