Top Stories of the Week: Breaking down the new Wizards, the Mystics have two All-Stars, Go-Go takes shape

We hope you aren’t outside in the rain today! In fact, the wet weather pattern is supposed to continue into next week. Here are this week’s top stories!

Read up on Wizards player and team analysis

Unfortunately, Summer League didn’t go too well for the Wizards since they went 1-4 in their five Vegas League games. Still, Osman Baig wrote why Troy Brown could break the mold of past mid first round and second round draft picks Washington made over the years. Mike Sykes also added more insight on Brown’s initial outlook as a rookie. The Wizards already appear set at the wing position — so will he play?

The Wizards also signed Thomas Bryant in the offseason, claiming him off waivers. Alan Jenkins broke down what he brings to the table here.

Brown and Bryant aren’t Washington’s highest profile additions, however. Dwight Howard is. In the past, owner Ted Leonsis mentioned that he had a “no jerks policy” with the Washington Capitals in his 10 point team building plan. The Wizards have appeared to follow a similar script for most of the John Wall Era and parted ways with players like JaVale McGee, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, and Jordan Crawford for being goofballs or at least being perceived as such.

Howard comes to the Wizards after developing a reputation as a jerk, so perhaps Leonsis and Ernie Grunfeld are willing to bring in folks with a checkered locker room history now. Ben Mehic writes that that may not be a bad thing.

Finally, the Nationals baseball team hosted MLB All-Star Weekend this past weekend. John Wall was in the All-Star celebrity softball game. His practice swing could use some work:

The Mystics have two All-Stars, but they are slumping

The Mystics were in the Top 3 of the WNBA standings for much of the last month. But after losing four of their last five, including two games to the Atlanta Dream and another to the Wings this past Thursday, Washington is now seventh place in the WNBA standings with a 13-10 record. Meanwhile, the Lynx have passed Washington in the standings, and Atlanta is on a six game win streak.

We did a roundtable on the Mystics’ regular season so far. There are some things to like about this Mystics team. They have found a starting five that works. Delle Donne and Toliver are playing like All-Stars and made the team with Delle Donne being named one of the captains for being the second leading vote recipient. At the same time, the Mystics don’t have the talent depth that other teams like the Sparks, Storm, and Mercury do.

They are playing the New York Liberty (right as I’m typing this!). Hopefully, they’ll come out with a W.

The Capital City Go-Go front office is in business!

Former NBA player (and GW alum) Pops Mensah-Bonsu is the General Manager and Oklahoma City Blues assistant coach Jarrell Christian will be the head coach according to reports.

That’s all I have for the week. Enjoy the rest of your weekends and stay safe from the rain!