The NBA off-season is a chance for contending teams to add some more pieces to the puzzle and for rebuilding teams to let veterans walk or look for the young players on the market. Every off-season their will be teams that will improve and teams that will lose some players. The teams that were middle of the pack will look to make a splash to get them over the hump the next season. I will be breaking down a couple teams who have improved through the NBA draft and also through free agency this off-season.
NBA Improving Teams: Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards finished 8th in the Eastern Conference last season. The Wizards lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Toronto Raptors. Washington had an up and down season and dealt with an injury to star guard John Wall in which he missed six to eight weeks. The Wizards were carried through that stretch by Bradley Beal who put the team on his back with remarkable numbers. Washington had some issues in the locker room between John Wall and Marcin Gortat. The Wizards made some changes this off-season which should help significantly in the Eastern Conference next season.
Austin Rivers
The Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards made an off-season trade with Gortat and Rivers. Austin Rivers brings a versatile player to Washington who will most likely come off the bench at either guard spot. Rivers is a dynamic scorer at any level and brings defensive versatility to the Wizards.
Dwight Howard
The Washington Wizards signed veteran big man Dwight Howard after he was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets. The Wizards needed a center with the loss of Gortat and Howard is an upgrade. Howard isn’t the same player he once was but he can still be a dominate force in the paint on either end of the floor. Dwight put up above average numbers with the Hornets last season in averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds per game. Howard will form a dynamic pick and roll with John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green had a stellar season last year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Most nights Green was their second best player. Jeff Green is a two way player who can defend at a high level and create for himself on offense. Jeff Green was a huge part in the Cavaliers making the NBA Finals last season outside of LeBron James. Green will bring a different dynamic to Washington where he can play multiple positions and will be a huge upgrade off their bench behind Otto Porter and Markieff Morris.
Troy Brown Jr
The Washington Wizards selected Troy Brown Jr in the first round of the NBA draft. Troy Brown was a dynamic player at Oregon but didn’t get the same hype as some of the other big name players. Troy has the abilities to become a very good two way player in the league. Brown can score off the dribble, in the post, great vision, high basketball IQ, defending multiple positions, and a great rebounder for a guard.
