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What would be considered a success in Wes Unseld Jr.’s first year?

By Chase Hughes

What would be considered a success in Unseld Jr.'s first year? originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

With the NBA season approaching, Chase Hughes and Andrew Gillis dissect the biggest questions for the Wizards entering the 2021-22 season.

Today’s question: What is to be considered a success in Wes Unseld Jr.’s first year?

Hughes: For as much as general manager Tommy Sheppard said the results of last season wouldn’t cut it moving forward, I think a first-round playoff appearance would represent success for Wes Unseld Jr. in Year 1. To be fair, Sheppard made those comments when Russell Westbrook was on the roster. Obviously, plans changed and the Wizards had to alter their course.

There will be some obstacles to overcome. They have a lot of new players, a first-time head coach, plus they will be playing in what looks like an improved Eastern Conference. The team could end up in a similar tier in the East than they were last year, even if they do get better and better set themselves up for the future.

Ways that could happen would be if Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija and their young players continue to ascend. Also, if any number of the veterans the Wizards got from the Lakers (Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) flourishes with a fresh start. Those guys are proven, but also young enough to present upside and the Wizards could in some ways find a diamond in the rough or two between them.

Gillis: I can’t see how the bar for success is anything less than a playoff appearance. That’s not to say the year will be an abject failure if they finish as the 10th seed and don’t make the playoffs, but missing out on the playoffs could be an indicator of things gone awry if things don’t break right.

For example: The goal for the Wizards, generally, is to improve defensively from a year ago and become a better 3-point shooting team. They finished dead last (118.5 points per game) and 22nd (35.1%) in those categories last season. Sheppard took steps to address those concerns this offseason, and added far more depth and 3-point shooting than the roster had during the season. If those areas get improved, even minimally, they’ll be a more complete basketball team.

Additionally, they’ll be looking for the next step from young players like Hachimura, Avdija and Corey Kispert. It’s hard to imagine that, with improved play from the first two and aided by the veteran additions this offseason, the Wizards won’t reach their goals. 

Now, there are a handful of other variables that could go wrong and add context to this. Injuries are always a threat, some of those veteran additions might not work out, trades could occur, and everything in-between. But the Wizards have already outlined their goals, both in their words and their actions, for where they need to improve on the floor. And if they hit their own marks for success, it’s hard to see how they miss out on the playoffs.

Report: Wizards interested in trade for All-Star Donovan Mitchell

By Chase Hughes
Report: Wizards interested in Donovan Mitchell originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonWhile the NBA offseason has slowed down with the draft, free agency and Summer League behind us, there are still several high-profile stars who could be traded before training camp opens. According to a report by the Athletic, the Wizards have expressed interest in one of them and, no, it's not Kevin Durant.Shams Charania of the Athletic says the Wizards have contacted the Utah Jazz about star guard Donovan Mitchell. Here is what Charania wrote Monday morning:"Along with New York, several other teams have expressed interest to the Jazz when it comes to Mitchell, such as Washington, Miami, Toronto, Charlotte, Sacramento and Atlanta, according to sources."Mitchell is a three-time All-Star and he's only 25 years old, so getting him would be a tremendous feat for the Wizards who could then pair him with Bradley Beal, also a three-time All-Star. Beal and Mitchell would form one of the best offensive duos in the NBA. Both technically play the same position at shooting guard, but they can each handle the ball and make plays for others. Acquiring Mitchell would set aside any perceived overlap and focus on the simple fact the Wizards would have two very good players to build around.Getting such a deal done, however, would definitely be difficult. After the Jazz traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a collection of players, four first-round picks and a pick swap, the price for stars has seemingly been subject to inflation. The 2023, 2025 and 2027 first-round picks sent to Utah are unprotected, for instance.The fact the Jazz were the team that agreed to that trade would suggest it's a fairly accurate framework for what it would take to acquire Mitchell. And if they want even more first-round picks, that could put the Wizards at a disadvantage, as they still have their firsts from 2023 through 2026 tied up in protections due to the John Wall-Russell Westbrook trade.If the Jazz wanted three first-round picks and a pick swap, the Wizards could not currently offer that. NBA teams can only trade draft picks up to seven years in the future and the next four firsts for the Wizards are currently part of the Wall-Westbrook deal.Mitchell, though, is the type of talent that a team like the Wizards could justify getting creative for. He's a very dynamic player and young enough to where he should have many years left in his prime. If they got Mitchell, he and Beal would likely make them a perennial playoff team with a chance to go on deep postseason runs.There are considerable hurdles for a deal to get done, but the Wizards are evidently still trying to improve the roster and are thinking big.
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