The Washington Wizards are above .500 folks. Yes, the WIZARDS have a winning record.
OK, now most of you will not know how to react to that but yes, it is true. The Wizards are doing well this year and are providing a good case to make a splash in the playoffs.
Any fan of the hometown team knows that this is a long time coming, as there had been 355 consecutive games with more losses than wins. That was the longest active losing streak in the NBA.
The roster has not changed that much from years before besides some underwhelming draft picks and Center Marcin Gortat, so it makes some wonder if the change came from beyond the roster.
“The vibe in the arena has changed,” said junior Jameel Ndiaye. “More people show up to games and the environment has changed.”
This renewed fanbase is excited about the both immediate and the long-term future. And it is not hard to believe since this team hasn’t seen any real success since the gun-wielding Gilbert Arenas was running the point.
“We have motivation this year,” said senior Sammy Tadesse. “John Wall has become a star.”
The success is in major part to that young point guard, who had not been over .500 in his short career. Wall has taken it upon himself to bring this team to new heights, and he has emerged as a star in the league. He leads the team in points and assists and has a dunk contest win under his belt as well.
“He is one of the three best guards in the league” said junior Jack Dunphy.
It’s not a one-man team however, and the injuries to Otto Porter Jr. and Nené could prove costly. This puts more pressure on guard Bradley Beal and forward Trevor Ariza to contribute more. This expectation for these players has helped them raise their games and contribute more wins.
“The injury to Nené will hurt us, but that just means other guys have to step up,” said Ndiaye.
The team is on pace to make it to the playoffs, which raises questions if this team is actually legit as they haven’t made the playoffs since 2008.
“This is a dynasty in the making,” said Tadesse. “The Wizards will win a ring in 3 years.”
However some are skeptical that this is just a fluke because of the weakness of many teams in the Eastern Conference this season. Teams like the Celtics, Sixers, Bucks and Magic are all in rebuilding mode and do not have a big interest in playing for wins because of the star-studded draft that is coming up.
“It doesn’t affect us much,” said Ndiaye. “We have a good record against the West too.”
The franchise is in no doubt turning itself around, and after hardships of the past years, these fans are ready for the future.
“The Wiz are on a hell-bound train to the top, and will not rest until they are there,” said Dunphy.