The Wizards get high marks for rostering Bradley Beal, who is the infrequent (relatively) affordable All-Star.
Still just 25 years old, he continues to elevate his ceiling through growth as a scorer, distributor and shot-creator. Moved into the driver’s seat by John Wall’s season-ending injury, Beal has become one of only seven players averaging at least 25 points, five assists and five rebounds.
But Washington’s stock begins once you get past Beal, tumbling.
The worry is Wall. Injuries had previously been a issue, but he has never gone through something similar to this. He had season-ending heel surgery in January ruptured his Achilles tendon at home in February. He has started his $170 million expansion, which kicks in next year.
Outside the backcourt, just Ian Mahinmi and Troy Brown Jr. have guaranteed contracts for 2019-20, while Dwight Howard retains a $5.6 million player option. The deadline deal that sent Otto Porter Jr. to the Chicago Bulls improved the team’s financial outlook, but it is possible some of the savings will get pumped into maintaining veterans Trevor Ariza and Jeff Green, a source told NBC Sports’ Ben Standig.
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