The Washington Wizards Futures Odds (BetDSI Sportsbook)
Washington Wizards to win the Southeast Division: +100
Washington Wizards to win the Eastern Conference: +1600
Washington Wizards to win the NBA Championship: +6600
Washington Wizards Total Win Prediction: Total 47.5 (Over -130, Under +100)
The Washington Wizards won the Southeast Division last season and finished in the high 4th place in the East, thanks to 49 victories, six more than the divisional rivals the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta was the first obstacle in the opening round of the playoffs, but the Wizards knocked them out in six matches before the Boston Celtics defeated them 4-3 in the Eastern semis. The series was one of the most interesting in the NBA in 2016/17; Washington won all three home games but fell short in a deciding tie, 105-115.
The Wizards kept their key performers this offseason, while they didn’t bring any high-profile players in, so we can say that they are pretty much unchanged for the upcoming campaign. Bojan Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings left the team, but they weren’t a big part of Scott Brooks’ system, so Washington can surely live without them. The important thing is that the starting five remained the same, while the Wizards also have a few good rotational players who can contribute off the bench.
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The 2017/2018 Washington Wizards Roster
Arrivals: Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks, Mike Scott, Devin Robinson, Mike Young.
Departures: Bojan Bogdanovic, Trey Burke, Brandon Jennings.
The Washington Wizards didn’t have a pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but they did sign two undrafted players – Devin Robinson and Mike Young. Robinson spent the previous three years playing college basketball with the Florida Gators, and the 22-year-old small forward averaged 11.1 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 2016/17. Devin signed a two-way contract with Washington and their G-League affiliate that will be assigned to them at the start of the season. Mike Young played four years with the Pittsburgh Panthers and made it to the Third-team All-ACC twice (2016 and 2017). The 23-year-old power forward had a fantastic 2016/17 season, averaging 19.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 2.7 apg in 33.2 mpg, and he also signed a two-way contact like Robinson.
Washington brought Tim Frazier in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Pelicans received the 52nd pick in this year’s draft in return. Frazier averaged 7.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, and 2.7 rpg in 23.5 mpg last year, and although I don’t believe he will get so many minutes on the floor this time around, Tim should be a good backup option to John Wall at the point guard. Tomas Satoransky is Frazier’s rival for the No. 2 point guard place, but Tim is listed ahead of him in the pecking order. Mike Scott joined from the Atlanta Hawks following his five-year stay in Georgia, and the power forward is listed behind Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre as the third option at the small forward position. However, Scott can play power forward equally well, and although he had an awful 2016/17 season, he should bounce back in Washington. Jodie Meeks switched Orlando for Washington after his contract with the Magic expired this summer, and the shooting guard will serve as Bradley Beal’s deputy in 2017/18. The Wizards are Meeks’ sixth team in his ninth year in the NBA, as he already played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic. In 2016/17, Meeks averaged 9.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg in 20.5 mpg, and his experience will certainly help the second unit, which is Washington’s Achilles’ Heel.
| PG | SG | SF | PF |
C |
| John Wall | Bradley Beal | Otto Porter Jr. | Markieff Morris | Marcin Gortat |
| Tim Frazier | Jodie Meeks | Kelly Oubre Jr. | Jason Smith | Ian Mahinmi |
| Tomas Satoransky | Sheldon Mac | Mike Scott | Chris McCullough | Daniel Ochefu |
Trey Burke became an unrestricted free agent after spending only one season with the Wizards, but he failed to leave the mark and make a positive impression, so Washington didn’t lose anything with his departure. Burke, a former No. 9 pick overall, averaged just 5.0 ppg and 1.8 apg in 12.3 mpg, as his numbers took a drastic hit comparing it with his first two years in the NBA, while he was in Utah. Tim Frazier arrived as a direct replacement for Burke, so Trey will not be missed in the capital, just like Brandon Jennings. Jennings appeared in 23 games for the Wizards in the second part of 2016/17 campaign, averaging mere 3.5 ppg and 4.7 apg in 16.3 mpg. The 27-year-old point guard displayed disappointing performances in both New York and Washington last year, so he decided to quite NBA and went to China to join the Shanxi Brave Dragons. I have no doubts Jennings will be a huge hit in China, but how the things are looking at the moment, he is not good enough to play in the NBA anymore. Finally, Bojan Bogdanovic moved to Indiana after playing in 26 matches for the Wizards in 2016/17, averaging 12.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg in 23.1 mpg. His contract expired this summer and Washington focused on extending Otto Porter’s deal rather than offering one to Bojan, who accepted Indiana’s invitation. The Croatian small forward did a decent job in Washington, but he’s fairly one-dimensional player, who can be deadly from downtown, but nothing more than that. He can become an essential figure in Indianapolis this year and was offered starting role and significant playing time, while the competition for the place is not fierce at all, so Bojan made a natural choice in joining the Pacers.
Brooklyn Nets offered a big contract to the restricted free agent Otto Porter, but Washington exploited their first refusal right and matched Brooklyn’s offer so Porter will wear the Wizards’ jersey for the fifth straight season. Porter became an integral part of Washington’s playing style, and his numbers drastically improved in the last two years. In 2016/17, Otto averaged 13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, and 1.5 spg in 32.6 mpg, and the 24-year-old small forward can be even better this time around, while Washington should be satisfied with their options at the SF position as they have Kelly Oubre to complement Porter.
Washington’s starting five with Wall, Beal, Porter, Morris, and Gortat can cause problems to any team in the league, especially to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards have one of the most-talented backcourts in the NBA in Wall and Beal, who combined for more than 56 points per contest on average, and that is more than 50% of the Wizards points per game. They will continue to run the floor for the Southeast Division champions, while Porter, Morris, and Gortat have the ability to step up when needed, so this Wizards team must be treated with respect. John Wall had a season of his life in 2016/17, averaging 23.1 ppg (career high), 10.7 apg (career high), 4.2 rpg, and 2.0 spg (career high) in 36.4 mpg, and if he repeat that this year, Washington should be considered as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference title. On the other hand, Wall’s partner Bradley Beal also had a fantastic season, best of his career, averaging 23.1 ppg (career high), 3.5 apg (career high), 3.1 rpg, and 1.1 spg in 34.9 mpg (career high). What is even more encouraging, Wall (27) and Beal (24) still have a lot of good years ahead of them, and if they stay on the same team, this partnership could become the most intimidating in the NBA.
The Bottom Line and Total Win Prediction
The Washington Wizards are the biggest favorites to win the Southeast Division this year, but the difference between them, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat is not big, so any of these three teams could win the divisional title. Last year’s difference of six wins between Washington and Atlanta is not going to happen in 2017/18, as I expect Charlotte and Miami to try taking the title from the Wizards hands. Although I respect Washington and think that they will undoubtedly enter the playoffs without trouble, I am not convinced they will defend the divisional title. Also, my opinion is that they will record between 45 and 47 victories, while the BetDSI Sportsbook set the number of seasons wins at 47.5, so if you’re the brave one, go with under on this one.
Season total wins: 47.5 Under (+100)
