Inside The Wizards

Lessons Learned From Observing Westbrook, Hachimura In The Playoffs

In observing this year’s contests, there are some lessons that the Wizards organization can learn from as they approach making some tough decisions on the future of the team. Some of these lessons can be garnered through the playoff game mode of some former Wizards.
Candi Waller|
Lessons Learned From Observing Westbrook, Hachimura In The Playoffs
Lessons Learned From Observing Westbrook, Hachimura In The Playoffs

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Washington WizardsLos Angeles ClippersLos Angeles Lakers

The Wizards are on the outside looking in the NBA playoffs for the second year in a row. This year’s playoffs have been exciting and fun to watch. Every series so far has brought its own swag and spark to the sport. This is the time where the stars truly rise to the occasion and shine.

In observing this year’s contests, there are some lessons that the Wizards organization can learn from as they approach making some tough decisions on the future of the team. Some of these lessons can be garnered through the playoff game mode of some former Wizards.

Russell Westbrook:

While Russell Westbrook’s season started off rocky with the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s safe to say the trade to the Los Angeles Clippers was beneficial for the Triple Double King. He was without Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard due to injury. However, there were plenty of times that Westbrook reminded everyone who he is as a player and a competitor. The Westbrook naysayers were pretty quiet during his strong performances, his game spoke for itself. Night in and night out, he showed up to compete. Although the Clippers did not make it out of the first round, the lesson learned here is:

Leaders lead and there should not be any doubt on who the leader(s) is.

Rui Hachimura:

This one may sting a bit for Wizards fans. Rui Hachimura has thrived coming off of the bench for the Lakers. He’s the same Rui Hachimura that played for the Wizards, yet wasn’t used as effectively. It seems Darvin Ham has figured out exactly how to use Hachimura for the Lakers. The overall bench play hasn’t been up to par, but Hachimura has been consistent. Lesson learned here is: Use players how and where they are most effective. Also, consistent bench play matters.   

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Candi Waller
CANDI WALLER

Candi Waller also known as "CWall" is the Founder and CEO of CWall® Sports & Entertainment, President of the CWall Foundation, Inc, the Managing Publisher of the Fan Nation Inside the Wizards site, and President of Bowie Television. A native of Gorgeous Prince George's County, Maryland, Candi has been an authentic lover of all sports since her childhood. She was such a sports fan at an early age that she notes one of her favorite childhood shows as the legendary "George Michael Sports Machine". Candi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University, Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University and a certificate in Sports Industry Essentials from Columbia University.  Prior to and during her work in the sports industry, Candi has established her identity as a results-driven, relationship building advocate and professional with extensive years of experience leading and implementing successful strategic change, communications, and stakeholder engagement programs across geographically dispersed organizations. She’s worked across Big Four and Government Trusted Advisor consulting firms such as IBM, Deloitte, and the MITRE Corporation. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Women in Sports & Events (WISE), the National Press Club (NPC), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce and is an ambassador for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In terms of what she likes to do for fun, that’s just it…anything that is considered fun, she’s all for it! She’s very close to her parents, brother, and sister, and has a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren. 

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