The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Dallas Mavericks: Four Playoff Teams With a Chance at 2019 Lottery

By Kohl Rast

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards speak with the media during a press conference after the game against the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards speak with the media during a press conference after the game against the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards

Speaking of teams that could very likely blow things up this summer, the Washington Wizards should probably be the first mentioned in that area. After yet another disappointing season with John Wall and Bradley Beal leading the team, the Wizards and their fans are ready for a change. This will have to be the trading of either Wall or Beal which, much like the Blazers, could cause a fall in the standings.

I don’t think the Wizards are a particularly scary team nor are they a hot destination for free agents. This makes the chances of them improving this summer much less likely and, seeing as they were already the 8-seed in the East, any drop for them would be detrimental. This team is not built for success.

John Wall has been one of the more underrated players in the NBA lately, but he can’t be the only star on a playoff team, it just isn’t a good method for success. If the Wizards want to make a move forward, they will have to package a deal around Beal to get another star. I just don’t think that the team will do this because if it fails, it puts them in an even longer rebuild.

The East may not be a very strong conference, but they do have a few decent teams that will be ready to push for a playoff spot next year. The way Washington looks right now, they will struggle to make the playoffs. I think the front office knows this and will choose to go the short rebuild route over chancing another lucky playoff appearance.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers