Young Front-Court Success

Crucial to Wizards Success

10/26/2019

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

          With the Washington Wizards in the process of rebooting their roster many questions reside in terms of personnel. The Wizards frontcourt specifically has many players that fall under the, “what if” and “maybe” category as far as reliability for production. Leaving several questions about how this group will shake out this season and going forward for Washington. The trio of players Washington hopes anchors their frontcourt for years to come are Center Thomas Bryant and Forwards Rui Hachimura and Troy Brown Jr. With Bryant at 22-years-old, Hachimura at 21-years-old, and Brown just 20-years old the Wizards have these players all in the early stages of their careers. This bode well as this trio can grow together and learn the NBA game. These young players performance and development this season will be key in Washington’s effort to get build back toward playoff contention.

            We must look at the individual skills each of these players bring to the table and where they need to grow their games to become major contributors. Thomas Bryant provides consistent effort and energy, along with the ability to be a stretch big. Rui Hachimura brings good scoring ability around the basket and in the mid-range area, while being versatile defensively. Then Brown brings good basketball instincts, with an improving jumper and playmaking skill.

            Beginning with the ‘oldest’ of this trio Thomas Bryant at 6’11” has ton of upside at center. He showed last season in his 72 games played, 53 started that he has potential to do many things well on the basketball court. Last year he averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game in about 20 minutes a night. Very good numbers for a young big going from benchwarmer to full-time starter. He shot very efficiently from the floor with a 61.6% field goal percentage. While shooting 33.3% form three and 78.1% from the free throw line proving he can score from a variance of areas on the floor. This type of versatility offensively from a big is crucial to compete in today’s NBA. Making Bryant a major asset for Washington because of his perimeter shooting and athleticism. The attribute that stands-out the most with Bryant is the constant effort and energy he brings every game. He plays with infectious energy due to his high motor which is great to have as a young player. This also allows him to do a lot of things that help you win games that do not show up on the box score. Whether it is winning a 50/50 ball, keeping a lose rebound alive, or being a pest to his opponents. Bryant this season must continue to improve his rebounding and be smarter on the defensively to make more of an impact on that end. If he does these things, while continuing to build further on his current talents he will become the anchor in the middle Washington desires.

            Rui Hachimura was the Wizards 2019 first round pick in this past NBA Draft at 9th overall. He has the most upside, both on the offensive and defensive as a forward for D.C. Starting with his offensive game Hachimura has a game tailored toward being effective around the basket and in the mid-range area. His final year of college he led Gonzaga in scoring at 19.7 a game showing his ability to put up points at an elite rate. There will be an adjustment period for him, but this ability to score the basketball will show as the year goes on. The main thing Hachimura needs to add to his game is to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. If he improves his 3-point shot, he will have the chance to become the 20-point scorer the Wizards need to support their star Bradley Beal. His defensive ability is the even more intriguing side of his game. His 7’2” wingspan will allow him to collect many deflections and blocks over the course of the year. He will continue to learn the defensive nuances of the game and use his quick feet to recover on defense well. His length and intelligence will allow him to be able to guard nearly every position, making him a defensive gem. Hachimura as he continues to learn the NBA will only gain confidence and become a young star for Washington.

            Lastly, Troy Brown Jr. last year’s first round pick may be the most important player of this trio for the Wizards future success. Washington needs Brown to take command of the small forward position and fill a position that has seen a lot of talent leave over the past year. With the departures of Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter, Brown will now have every opportunity to fill a forward hole for Washington. Brown currently is out with a calf injury, working his way back with his timetable unclear. Though when he gets back, he needs to show further development in his game. His jump shot has good form, but he needs to be able to hit it more consistently and expand his range. He did show signs of having some playmaking ability last year when with the second unit. If he continues to work on his ball-handling, he can become more useful in pick and role sets. While developing more confidence to create his own shot along with shots for teammates. He shows good quickness and some defensive upside which gives him the chance to become a steady two-way player. Brown with more of an opportunity to play once he returns needs to play with great confidence to unlock his potential. Showing no fear to be aggressive in taking shots or handling tough assignments on defense. Brown must take another big step forward to enhance the Wizards retooling efforts.

            The Washington Wizards in these three players have talented youngsters who can form the next core to lead Washington back to playoff contention. Each of these young men bring different skills that can all mesh well to form a strong frontcourt. These players need to continue to develop and work with star guard Brad Beal to find their fit on the team. If all goes well Washington will have done a great job rebuilding their frontcourt over the course of a year and change successfully.