Three Players That Need To Step Up For Wizards

It may be early into the NBA Regular Season, but things aren’t going well at all in Washington for the Wizards. Despite it being early in the season, it may be time to hit the panic button as the cause for concern is growing increasingly concerning by the day. Having the second worst record in the Eastern Conference comes at you hard, but being the third worst team in the entire league really hits you differently. We can’t say that the Wizards have an excuse after moving on from Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. Bradley Beal barely plays now and he missed a ton of games last year due to injury too. Kristaps Porzingis is solid but he wasn’t a fit long term for this team.

The overhaul of the roster surely has it’s growing pains. Players were brought in to make a difference. Yet, we are seeing a difference in a different way than expected. Some players on this team have been a bit underwhelming and have underperformed thus far. Here are three players that need to step up for the Washington Wizards.

1. Jordan Poole

Coming into a situation that is different from what you’re accustomed to can be difficult to adjust to. The Wizards brought Poole here to be the Robin to Batman. They had plans for him to be a star, a starter, and a go to player. They need him to be a difference maker. Rather, he is simply fitting in like he did in Golden State and being a high end role player in the starting lineup. Jordan Poole is averaging 16 PPG this season. He hasn’t averaged numbers so low since 3 seasons ago when he averaged 12 PPG.

Jordan Poole 😂😂😂

(via @The_BTC_Classic / h/t @overtime )

pic.twitter.com/dQziDz3kFS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 13, 2023

2. Johnny Davis

The expectations for this season were high for Johnny Davis after he spend all of last season in the G League getting further development on his game. Late in the season last year, he got called up and played some meaningful minutes. We saw him put on a show and seen his true potential. He was able to attack the basket, run the fast break, defend, and shoot the three ball occasionally. This season, he looks like the raw and inexperienced guard we seen at the beginning on last season all over again as he is averaging just five points per game. He was supposed to be the replacement of Bradley Beal. He has gots to find a way to contribute, be effective, and help the Wizards win some games.

3. Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones has been a backup throughout his entire NBA Career. Now he hasn’t just been any backup point guard. He has been a high end backup point guard who has the potential to be a full time starting point guard. We know he can do it. We know it’s in his DNA. However, the coaching staff has really done him a disservice as he hasn’t fully been unleashed with this new team and role he has.

Tyus Jones is COOKING 👨‍🍳pic.twitter.com/jIzcyN890E
— Wizards Nation (@WizardsNationCP) November 14, 2023