FanPost

Wall, Beal, & Porter: The Wizards' Championship Big Three?

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After their 2-8 start to the 2016-17 season, there was and still is a lot of hand-wringing over the state of the Washington Wizards franchise.

Specifically, the angst was often aimed at our three young studs - John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter. Is John truly elite? Is Brad worth the big contract? Should we trade Otto now so we don't have to pay him this summer?

The answer to all 3 questions in order are: Yes, Yes, and absolutely Not.

As Wiz fans, we should be thrilled with the development of John, Brad, and Otto. Under new coaching, and the natural progression of young (now healthy) players, the Wizards BIG 3 are getting better by the day. It is exciting to have an ever improving 3-headed young core whose skill sets compliment each other so well. Before looking to break up the BIG 3 before they really get started, consider why we should continue to build with them.

John Wall

Raw Stats: 23.1 ppg, 10.3 apg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 spg, 0.5 bpg

Efficiency: 46% FG%, 32% 3P%, 83% FT%, 24.0 PER

These are superstar numbers. In fact, in a normal year, those would be MVP contending numbers. More than numbers, as you watch Wall's progression, you are seeing a special player, who makes jaw-dropping plays every game; a guy who I believe is now a Top 10 player in the league. The game isn't slowing down for him. He is also finishing, displaying clutch chops that many didn't think he had. In fact, Wall is 3rd in the NBA , at the midway point in clutch time scoring, while shooting 45% from the floor and 87% at the free throw line.

Bradley Beal

Raw Stats: 21.8 ppg 3.6 apg, 2.8 rpg

Efficiency: 46% FG%, 39% 3P%, 81% FT%,19.1 PER

These are All-Star numbers in the making. If the rest of the East didn't have such strong guard play, Beal would likely be a shoo-in All-Star reserve. He's probably already a top 5 SG. When Beal gets hot, few others can match his shot-making. What's more exciting is Beal rounding out his game to become a more complete player, posting career highs in assists, displaying better handles, and proving to be a solid yet underrated defender. He has also stayed healthy this season where he played 38 games out of 42.

Otto Porter

Raw Stats: 14.5 ppg, 1.5 apg, 6.4 rpg

Efficiency: 54% FG%, 46% 3P%, 79% FT%, 18.3 PER

His nickname should be Mr. Efficiency. The stats speak for themselves because he is one of the best and most efficient shooters in the NBA. Otto has gotten better every year. Some call him a "glue" guy, when he's more of a "super glue" guy. Solid team defense, good rebounding, cutting, and of course the shooting. Otto is now 2nd in the entire NBA in 3 point shooting accuracy. Frankly, Im more surprised when he misses a shot. The thing about Otto is that he so unique. There really isn't a perfect comparison for his style of play. As his confidence grows, the Wiz would be foolish not to see how far he can expand his game.

The Final Take

Often times, as soon as a "off game" occurs, the conversation devolves into: Wall can't be the best player on championship team... Beal is overpaid...You can't pay Otto big money, let Kelly Oubre take over as SF.

To which the numbers and eye test show: It's possible that Wall can be the best player on a championship team if the team around him is built right. Beal is a borderline all-star and worth every penny in today's market. There's room for Otto & Kelly; Otto is really good player, who is well worth investing in,

Wizards fans: We all know about the front office blunders and mishaps. But that doesn't mean that we have to get rid of Wall, Beal, or Porter. Rather, it may be more prudent to improve the team around them. After all, with one of the worst bench units in entire NBA, and a new coaching staff, the Wizards are now 23-19 and one of the most exciting teams in the league. Largely, this is due to the BIG 3.

Can the Wizards one day contend for and win a championship with Wall/ Beal/Porter as the main guys? I don't know. My hunch is, if the team is built around them in a way to maximize their talent, yes, yes they can. At the very least, we should be excited about finding out. Embrace John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter: the Wizards new BIG 3, and quite possibly their Championship Big 3.

This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.