Three New Year's Resolutions for the Washington Wizards
New Year's resolutions are popularly used by many in order to provide clarity for goals and to help visualize a path to get them accomplished, so I came up with three resolutions for the Washington Wizards to have in 2024.
This list isn't a typical resolution list that will make the team better immediately, rather help set the base foundation for a strong future.
READ MORE: Wizards Have Third Easiest Schedule in January
Saying that lets see what they can do to improve their chances of competing beyond 2024.
1. Trade Veteran Players to Stockpile Draft Capital
The two most valuable trade pieces that Washington has is guard Jordan Poole and forward Kyle Kuzma.
Both guys are locked up in long term contracts and don't need to be moved immediately unless the return is right.
The Wizards have other veteran players that need to be moved right way though in guard Tyus Jones and forward Danilo Gallinari.
Both players are on expiring contracts and Washington doesn't want to let them walk with nothing in return, especially Jones whose trade value has sky rocketed the last month.
Adding draft capital is important with how volatile drafting players can be, three chances to nail a first round pick is a lot easier than one right?
Washington Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. gestures from the bench against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Capital One Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
2. Raise Bilal Couliably's Usage Percentage
The Wizards hit on their 2023 draft pick in guard Bilal Coulibaly.
He has out-surpassed all expectations anyone had of him already and we aren't through half of this season.
But his usage percentage has only been 13.5 percent, which is in the bottom 1/4 of the league.
Most of this is due to Kuzma and Poole getting a lot of touches and if either are traded you should see that number go up.
Coulibaly has the ability to drive the car but Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. has yet to give him the keys.
3. Improve, Improve, and Improve
Moral victories in professional sports is usually a no-go, but not for this team.
The Wizards need to not look at wins and losses or even how bad the statistics are but try to bring a level of competitiveness and focus every single night.
A winning culture doesn't just happen, it is built through blood, sweat and tears.
It comes at a cost, sometimes of players, coaches and even front offices.
Looking forward we want to see defensive numbers and hustle stats improve to show players aren't quitting and they understand the system Useld is giving them.
These are my three New Year resolutions for the Washington Wizards, we will take a look back at these at the end of the season to see if the team met them for better or worse!
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