Washington Wizards offseason and how the Detroit Pistons will match up
By Ash Vanclay
The Washington Wizards made a few changes this off-season let’s take a look at their decisions and how they match up with the Detroit Pistons.
The Washington Wizards will look to build on last season’s game seven loss to the Boston Celtics by going further this season. How did they try to ensure this is the case? Let’s take a look at their off-season decisions and how they will match up with our very own Detroit Pistons.
Washington Wizards Players In:
- The Washington Wizards did not have a draft pick this year as they traded their first rounder for this year to get Markieff Morris. They did originally have their second round pick which they traded prior to the draft for New Orleans Pelicans Guard, Tim Frazier.
- Re-signed Otto Porter Jr to a 4 year, $106.5 million contract
- Re-signed John Wall to a 4 year, $170 million extension
- Signed Guard Jodie Meeks to a 2 year, $7 million contract
- Signed Forward Mike Scott to a 1 year, $1.7 million contract
- Signed Guard Donald Sloan to a 1 year, $1.7 million contract
Players Out:
- Brandon Jennings (China)
- Bojan Bogdanovic (Indiana Pacers)
How the Wizards match up with the Detroit Pistons:
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Point Guard: Reggie Jackson vs John Wall
This will be a tough match up for any guard in the NBA, but even more so for a guard who is defensively challenged. Reggie will have his work cut out for him keeping up with Wall’s athleticism here, and John Wall should comfortably win the match up.
Shooting Guard: Avery Bradley vs Bradley Beal
This is the match up I am most looking forward to. The Detroit Piston’s best defender will be matching up with arguably the Wizards best offensive player. Avery should be able to contain Beal as he has contained very potent offensive players before, but will he have enough energy left to impact the scoreboard offensively? I have this match up tied.
Small Forward: Stanley Johnson vs Otto Porter Jr
Otto Porter Jr should win this match up. His versatility in what he can do on the court will be too much for the defensively inclined Stanley Johnson. Johnson may limit Porters effectiveness, however his offensive game is his downfall.
Power Forward: Tobias Harris vs Markieff Morris
Tobias Harris was the Pistons best player last season, and I expect that to continue. Markieff will try hard and play hard but Harris’ versatility and ability to make plays for others gives him the edge on this match-up.
Centre: Andre Drummond vs Marcin Gortat
Assuming Drummond makes the improvements that we expect of him (and I think he will), then he should win the match up with Gortat. Drummond is the best rebounder in the league and the Wizards will struggle to contain that. Defensively he should be able to contain Gortat, as he plays more on the interior and is not the most mobile.
Bench:
This is where Detroit have the biggest edge, the Wizards bench relies heavily on health. Both Meeks and Scott struggled with injury last season and in their careers. The Detroit Pistons have good depth and should have some good production and a nicely balanced team off the bench.
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Overall Result:
Despite the Detroit Pistons winning some of the individual match ups, the Wizards should win the season series against Detroit, particularly if they want to make an impact and go deep in playoffs. The Pistons have a chance, and were able to beat the Wizards last season, however the Wizards should win the series. I do expect all the games to be very competitive though.