The Wizards have just finished the worst season in their history, with only 15 wins for 67 losses. Without the even more catastrophic performances of the Pistons (14 victories…), the players from the capital would have finished in last place in the NBA for this 2023/24 financial year.
And the short-term future does not allow us to imagine a total reversal. The group is mostly young and inexperienced, so we have to start from scratch for coach Brian Keefe, starting with the basics.
“Brian has a unique ability to analyze players and see what they can do, not what they currently are,” explains Will DawkinsGM of the Wizards. “When you think about our team and our situation, it’s really very important. You have to have this conviction, in order to trust people and see where it can lead. We are in the first phase of building the foundations and we started this year. Foundations take time and the coach knows it. »
Efforts that will perhaps pay off in two years…
The Wizards will therefore enter the famous reconstruction phase, where the important thing is the progression of the players and the definition of a playing identity. The victories do not really count and will not be essential to judge the next season . Training, like in Brooklyn next year, will be the priority.
“Very often, players don't understand the direction the franchise is taking, what the goal is, so they feel helpless and lost. It's the worst “, estimates Jared Butler, who has just played his first season in Washington. “I think our coach, with his ability to communicate what we're trying to do and the mindset we need to have, is perfect for that. »
There is a good chance that there will still be many defeats during the 2024/25 season, so Brian Keefe will indeed have to do some mental work to keep his troops motivated. A bit like Gregg Popovich in San Antonio this year, for Victor Wembanyama's first season.
“We will always look for what is best for our group now, but also for the future,” announced the recently confirmed coach. “One of the main topics is how to best use our players, knowing that it may not pay off right away, but in two or two years. »
