The Washington Wizards look to start this season off right

By DUSTIN THOMAS

Staff Writer

This NBA season brings a lot of optimism for the Washington Wizards led by nine year head coach, Scott Brooks. As the Wizards start the season Wednesday, versus the Philadelphia 76ers, fans can expect to see the same starting lineup at the beginning of this season. Besides power forward, Markieff Morris who will be sitting out due to injury, this roster has so much more potential.

General Manager, Ernie Grunfeld felt comfortable with this season’s starting lineup which he felt simply needed another year of team chemistry. Last year, the biggest problem for this young Wizards squad was their bench. Grunfeld addressed the issue by acquiring point guard, Tim Frazier and veteran shooting guard Jodie Meeks.

For Washington to have a successful season, these two guards have to score and lead the second unit efficiently, unlike Trey Burke and Brandon Jennings did last year. One major obstacle on their season will be starting off without Morris for six to eight weeks due to a knee injury. In his place, coach Brooks has experimented with forwards Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jason Smith during the preseason.

It looks as if Jason Smith will get the nod after a 22 point performance in the Wizards preseason game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The future is bright for the Wizards, led by all stars John Wall, Bradley Beal and rising star Otto Porter Jr. This season the team aspires to earn a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.