The Wizards get high marks for rostering Bradley Beal, who’s the rare (relatively) cheap All-Star.
Still only 25 years old, he continues to elevate his ceiling through growth for a scorer, supplier and shot-creator. Moved into the driver’s chair by John Wall’s season-ending accident, Beal has become one of just seven players averaging at least 25 points, five assists and five rebounds.
However, Washington’s stock begins tumbling as soon as you get past Beal.
The worry is Wall. Injuries had been a problem, but he has never gone through something similar to this. He had season-ending heel surgery in January, then ruptured his Achilles tendon at home in February. Adding insult to injury, he has not even begun his $170 million expansion, which kicks in next year.
Outside the backcourt, just Ian Mahinmi and Troy Brown Jr. have guaranteed contracts for 2019-20, while Dwight Howard holds a $5.6 million player option. The deadline deal that sent Otto Porter Jr. to the Chicago Bulls enhanced the team’s financial outlook, but it’s possible some of the savings will get pumped into keeping veterans Trevor Ariza and Jeff Green, a source told NBC Sports’ Ben Standig.
Read more: nhl2019.com