Eastern Conference Finals or Die

By The USS Blogger
 
I’m going to speak on behalf of the entire Urban Sports Scene podcast in stating that there are two primary questions surrounding the Washington Wizards entering the 2015 season. 

1.  Has Randy Wittman reached his ceiling?
2.  What can the Wizards do to get Kevin Durant in 2016?

For the latter question, I have some ideas. “Pope Kevin” as we’ll start to call him, can and should receive a huge welcome fit for royalty that does not include a fiat. No, No, the DMV’s native son will be treated even better than Francis and we’ll start with ensuring his safety by designating Washington Nationals’ closer Jonathan Papelbon as head of his security. Let’s put that aggression to good use. He can’t save a game for DC, but maybe he can save the Wizards. Next, we’ll have former Washington Redskins’ cornerback Fred Smoot throw him a party on a boat, OH MAN!!! Look, I’m kidding. On a more serious note, this season clearly has to be played out before any push for Durant or any other free agents.   And like with most teams, success largely starts and ends with the coach.  

 In my opinion, Randy Wittman has made a lot of questionable decisions specific to his management of player personnel. And to maintain continuity as well as build chemistry with new team acquisitions (Alan Anderson, Gary Neal, Jared Dudley) changes are needed. To elaborate, here are a few examples.  Kris Humphries averaged 21 minutes per game during the regular season in which he was an effective rebounder, defender, and shooter. In the postseason, Humphries played a grand total of 5 minutes, a span in which he grabbed three rebounds. I’m fully aware of his groin injury, but one sportswriter was quoted as saying “Up until suffering a groin injury on Feb. 25 at Minnesota, Kris Humphries was arguably pound for pound the second best player on the Washington Wizards”.  I’m not going to go as far as saying I fully agree with that sentiment, but it speaks volumes as to the high level in which he played before being benched without cause in the postseason. While I’m a huge fan of Drew Gooden, Nene, and Marcin Gortat, each struggled at various stretches of the postseason, but neither Humphries or former Wizard Kevin Seraphin saw the floor.

Additionally in games that Martell Webster was active (he had 21 DNPs—did not play), Webster played an average of 24 minutes in late season big games versus the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.  One could say that the final game of the season versus Cleveland lacks validity which is a game he played over 35 minutes. However, Webster logged 20 minutes in a February loss to the Cavaliers as well. It’s clear that coaches must set and manage line ups according to match ups but, I feel that some of the more inexperienced head coaches struggle to find consistency and tend to panic. A fellow rival head coach, the Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra can attest to this, which unfortunately played out in the NBA finals. With Wittman, we’re now hearing talks of “small ball” which can work with the right personnel. Do the Wizards have the personnel? The answer is yes. Do they have the coach to effectively implement this system? That’s the question I’m asking.  

In the Southeast division, the Wizards will be expected to contend with what is thought to be a resurgent Miami Heat team and those scrappy Atlanta Hawks. The consensus amongst the Wizards fans base is confident that this team is capable of defeating most eastern conference foes in a seven game series aside from the aforementioned Cavaliers. Not to discount the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, or Toronto Raptors, but the eastern conference championship will almost certainly go through Cleveland.  So with the talent and depth in place, how far will the Wizards go this season?  Injuries are always an issue and if my inclination is correct, Cleveland will again need to overcome some serious health related obstacles. To this point, Lebron James has evaded serious injury, but last season we saw more effects from the years of wear and tear.

In shifting the discussion back to Kevin Durant, it’s as if I wish the Wizards lose a tough series to Lebron and the Cavaliers in hopes that Durant would feel as though he’s the missing piece. Nevertheless, while not wishing injury on anyone, if Lebron were to be injured or the Wizards somehow evade the Cavs and reach the NBA Finals; just maybe you face Durant for the NBA title. This is all hypothetical, but what is factual in my mind is that the Wizards will need strong play from key positions in efforts to strengthen their lure for Durant, specifically the power forward and center positions. Wizards point guard John Wall and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook are comparable in many ways, however Durant could potentially see more touches playing with Wall. Additionally, Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal is an upgrade from Thunder shooting guard Andre Roberson. 

Now in the front court, the Thunder are arguably  better, led by starting power forward Serge Ibaka and backup center/my prediction for sixth man of the year, Enes Kanter. By the way, is Steven Adams really starting???? To finish this compelling argument, Wizards big men Marcin Gortat, Kris Humphries, Nene, and Drew Gooden will have to definitely prove that Durant choosing Washington is not a downgrade from his current team. Improved perimeter shooting and consistency on the defensive end will likely be the primary determining factors for the Wizards front court. What’s also a fact in my mind is that if the Wizards do not reach at least the Eastern conference finals, bye bye Randy Wittman, and hello to the next up and coming college coach. This would forfeit the chance bringing Kevin Durant home. #KD2DC 

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