Bullets Forever: All Posts by Gabriel Ibrahim"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2024-03-25T23:03:28-04:00https://www.bulletsforever.com/authors/gabe-ibrahim/rss2024-03-25T23:03:28-04:002024-03-25T23:03:28-04:00Recap: Wizards beat Bulls, 107-105, for first three-game win streak
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<img alt="Washington Wizards v Chicago Bulls" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bKvY1Shnh55CSV-Merqkfi6j1fE=/0x0:5633x3755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73232906/2113462700.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan Poole and Corey Kispert combined for 42 points to lead the injury-riddled Wizards over Bulls</p> <p id="nwI23O">The Wizards have finally won three consecutive games in the 2023-24 season. Washington pulled out a 107-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls despite a long list of injuries. The three-game winning streak is the first for the Wizards since January 30th, 2023. </p>
<p id="xB2mxc">Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, Landry Shamet, Eugene Omoruyi, and Tyus Jones all missed the game along with Bilal Coulibaly and Isaiah Livers, who are out for the season. Jordan Poole and Corey Kispert led the Wizards to their hottest start to a game this season. Washington went on a 15-0 run with Poole and Kispert scoring every point in the run. The Wizards held on until the Bulls tied the game heading into the fourth quarter. Marvin Bagley III and Tristan Vukcevic led a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter, which gave Washington a lead they would hold on to.</p>
<p id="g7fV2f">Poole led the team with 23 points with three other players scoring double digits—Kispert (19), Bagley III (16), and Richaun Holmes (14). Jared Butler set a career-high with 13 assists as he was pressed into point guard duties with Jones sidelined. Tristan Vukcevic, Washington’s second-round pick in this year’s draft, made his NBA debut after leaving Partizan Belgrade on March 14. He showed off his catch-and-shoot three-point shooting with two threes. Demar DeRozan put up 27 points to lead all scorers and Nikola Vucevic lead all rebounders with 16 boards. </p>
<p id="wbBWpJ">The Wizards take on the Nets on Wednesday in Capital One Arena at 7 pm. Their record is now 14-58, the second-worst record in the NBA. </p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/3/25/24112051/wizards-vs-bulls-final-score-nba-recapGabriel Ibrahim2024-03-01T01:53:27-05:002024-03-01T01:53:27-05:00Recap: Washington drops OT heartbreaker in LA, 134-131
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<img alt="Washington Wizards v Los Angeles Lakers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C3OR_e3LpGMBVmI3v_TFVF7NA04=/0x0:3663x2442/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73174998/2041455784.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards found themselves in a dogfight with LA but couldn’t best Anthony Davis and LeBron James </p> <p id="JMkG5p">The Washington Wizards dropped a heartbreaker on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers 134-131 in overtime. The Wizards fought valiantly and took control of the game at crucial times. Jordan Poole led a balanced scoring effort for DC with 34 points off the bench. He hit a deep three to put Washington up by two with 0:45 left in regulation before Austin Reeves sent the game to overtime. In overtime, LeBron James and Anthony Davis proved to be too much as they finished with 71 points combined for the game. The Wizards have lost 13 consecutive games and fell to 9-50 on the season. </p>
<p id="LGf9PN">With <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/2/28/24086174/washingon-wizards-los-angeles-lakers-nba-preview">Bilal Coulibaly still out with a pelvis injury</a>, Washington went with Landry Shamet over Poole in the starting lineup for the second game in a row. They led for much of the first half, thanks to a high-paced attack. Poole, Kuzma, and Corey Kispert got hot in the second quarter as they scored 12, 10, and 9 points respectively. </p>
<p id="3WeFj0">But Washington was giving up points just as fast as they could score them. Davis had 24 points at half with 10 points coming from free throws. LeBron added in 10 points of his own in the first half. When the game turned to the second half, the Lakers turned up the intensity on defense. They forced five turnovers in the third quarter to take a lead. </p>
<p id="MnHaAS">But the Wizards stayed in the fight. Poole and Kuzma clearly seemed to enjoy the challenge of playing the Lakers, the latter’s first NBA team. One of them kept finding ways to score just when LA started to pull away. </p>
<p id="GXJoz7">https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1763442062894969343/video/1</p>
<p id="9q85sp">Despite pushing the game to overtime, the Wizards probably had their best chance to win at the end of regulation. Poole’s deep three to take the lead followed a Bagley block of LeBron gave DC momentum. But they couldn’t close the door. In overtime, Washington’s best chance to take control fell apart after the refs overturned this block/charge call on Deni Avdija. </p>
<p id="OdkAGj"><a href="https://x.com/chasedcsports/status/1763444073036218653?s=20">https://x.com/chasedcsports/status/1763444073036218653?s=20</a></p>
<p id="Rx2wO8">The Wizards face the Clippers tomorrow night to complete the LA back-to-back. The game starts at the unholy hour of 10:30 pm EST. <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/1/31/24057708/washington-wizards-vs-los-angeles-clippers-final-score-nba-recap">Washington lost by 16 (and trailed by as many as 27) to the Clips in late January</a>. </p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/3/1/24087335/washington-wizards-vs-los-angeles-lakers-final-score-nba-recapGabriel Ibrahim2024-02-26T17:00:00-05:002024-02-26T17:00:00-05:00How the Mystics can move forward without EDD & Cloud, explained
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<img alt="Los Angeles Sparks v Washington Mystics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I3Fz1wu8pwyBFtGqrIME7Dqxjto=/0x0:5106x3404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73166386/1242371304.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Mystics are in uncertain territory without their franchise players, but have reasons for hope and draft picks going forward. </p> <p id="7B3Pca">Welcome to a new era of Washington Mystics basketball. After five of the best years in franchise history, Washington will move on without Elena Delle Donne for the foreseeable future. She <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/7/24065678/wnba-free-agency-2024-elena-delle-donne-washington-mystics-contract-refusal">decided to take a break from the game</a> rather than play for the Mystics or any of the teams willing to trade for her. EDD’s departure followed <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/1/24058065/wnba-free-agency-2024-natasha-cloud-signs-phoenix-mercury-washington-mystics">Natasha Cloud’s jump to the Phoenix Mercury in free agency</a>. The era of good feelings after the 2019 championship has seemingly officially ended. </p>
<h2 id="5NZNYK">Current state of the roster</h2>
<p id="nlkLeN">While the Mystics will not be in full rebuild mode, they will be transitioning to a younger team with a focus on the future. At age 27, Ariel Atkins remains the team’s biggest star coming into the season. But Shakira Austin appears to be the future face of the franchise at just 23 years old. Brittany Sykes will take the reigns at point guard after her best season. At age 30, she might not be a part of the Mystics’ long-term vision. But she has two years left on her contract and could be a trade candidate if things go sideways during the season. In addition to those three players, only the newly signed <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/1/24058466/wnba-free-agency-2024-washington-mystics-karlie-samuelson">Karlie Samuelson</a> and <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/14/24073272/wnba-free-agency-2024-stefanie-dolson-washington-mystics-signing">Stefanie Dolson</a> have money on the books for 2025. </p>
<p id="H7tyob">Queen Egbo has a rookie option that the team could pick up before this season. Myisha Hines-Allen and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, two mainstays from the 2019 Championship season, are expiring contracts and the rest of the roster is filled out with training camp contracts. You can read about those signings below.</p>
<aside id="rzOJeB"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Mystics sign Emily Engstler to training camp contract","url":"https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/2/1/24058419/wnba-free-agency-2024-washington-mystics-emily-engstler-training-camp-contract"},{"title":"Mystics sign DiDi Richards to training camp contract","url":"https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/1/24058558/wnba-free-agency-2024-washington-mystics-didi-richards-training-camp-contract"},{"title":"Mystics sign Julie Vanloo to training camp contract","url":"https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/1/24058440/wnba-free-agency-2024-washings-mystics-julie-vanloo-training-camp-contract"},{"title":"Mystics sign Elissa Cunane to training camp contract","url":"https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/5/24062881/wnba-free-agency-2024-mystics-sign-elissa-cunane-to-a-training-camp-contract-according-to-report"}]}'></div></aside><p id="JKdQo8">Mystics General Manager Mike Thibault may (reasonably) be betting that Atkins and Austin can become a power duo in the absence of the departed all-stars. If that happens, the Mystics may end up in the middle of the pack again as they find their footing, but could resist the idea of fully rebuilding. If things continue to go downhill for the Mystics, trading Atkins and Sykes (or even Austin) for draft picks before the 2025 season becomes more of a reality. </p>
<h2 id="h4VXOW">Future considerations</h2>
<p id="2Aljw2">There’s no urgency to trade up in the 2024 draft at the moment for two reasons. In terms of draft capital, the Mystics are in good shape. They own their first-round pick in each of the next three drafts as well as Atlanta’s 2025 first-round pick acquired in a trade during last season’s draft. Secondly, the quality of the 2024 draft remains murky. Potential superstars Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Cameron Brink of Stanford have yet to announce that they will go pro. Projected top-three pick Paige Bueckers announced that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiloZWBgsqEAxUs4ckDHZBQCDoQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulletsforever.com%2Fmystics%2F2024%2F2%2F18%2F24076294%2Fpaige-bueckers-connecticut-huskies-wnba-draft-decision-washington-mystics&usg=AOvVaw0lC-teNw3ActqH-URPwmOP&opi=89978449">she will return to UConn for another season. </a></p>
<p id="0RrbCA">If those three return to college, the Mystics might feel pressure to trade off players for future picks this offseason in an attempt to be bad enough to secure one of those potential game-changers. Clark and Brink will be picked well ahead of Washington’s sixth overall pick in 2024 and no WNBA GM would trade out of drafting Clark (and to a lesser extent Brink). If Clark and Brink declare, the 2025 draft may lack star power outside of Bueckers with future drafts seemingly loaded with star underclassmen such as Juju Watkins and Kiki Rice. It’s impossible to time a rebuild. But Washington’s apparent timeline of fully transitioning to a rebuild after the 2025 season could be optimal. </p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2024/2/26/24083996/washington-mystics-2024-wnba-draft-outlook-elena-delle-donne-shakira-austinGabriel Ibrahim2024-02-10T13:02:09-05:002024-02-10T13:02:09-05:00NBA Draft Roundup: Wizards 2024 mock draft projections after the trade deadline
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<img alt="UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BUFFALOES VS COLORADO STATE RAMS, NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wMHrgq1Fcom8V1stLQhZXkfBdBc=/0x0:6312x4208/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73128757/1812104584.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards nabbed an extra first-round pick during the NBA trade deadline. Who do experts have falling to that pick? </p> <p id="LSQ6d4">The Washington Wizards acquired a first-round pick from an in-season trade! They sent Daniel Gafford to Dallas for Richaun Holmes and the better of the Thunder’s or Clippers’ first-round selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. While the pick will likely end up in the 20s, acquiring any first-round pick at the trade deadline may be the biggest sign of a new direction in the franchise. </p>
<p id="dG7fMf">The last time the Wizards traded for a first-rounder during the season was 2011. As Washington tore down the Gilbert Arenas era, they traded Hilton Armstrong and Kirk Hinrich to the Atlanta Hawks for Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans, and a 2011 1st-round draft pick. Chris Singleton, who was out of the league by 2014, was later selected with the pick and no one involved in the trade has played in at least 6 years. </p>
<p id="GvzfqQ">Michael Winger and Will Dawkins have finally put the franchise on a clear path. They want to acquire draft picks, stay young, and find the superstars. So far, they’ve accomplished those goals as much as possible. The hard part comes next when Winger and Dawkins have to hit on these draft picks. The 2024 Draft class has been labeled as weak and lacking star power, but the good organizations seem to draft solid players every season. </p>
<p id="XpjSL4">Let’s take a look at the Wizards draft situation now and who experts believe will be picked at their selections. Note that these selections have not yet incorporated the deadline deals, so the mock drafters made the late first-round selection for the Clippers or Thunder. I think the exercise is useful to see which players are generally in range of the selection. Check out the rest of <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/nba-draft">BF’s draft coverage here</a>!</p>
<h2 id="enbDr1">Wizards Draft Picks</h2>
<ul><li id="COO7k8">First Round—Own selection, Projected: Top 3</li></ul>
<p id="YDzAl8">The Wizards currently have their own selection in this draft, but this pick was traded to the Rockets in the Russell Westbrook-John Wall swap. It is protected 1-12 in 2024, 1-10 in 2025, and 1-8 in 2026. If it has not been conveyed as a first by 2026, the Wizards will only give up two second-round selections. Washington has swap rights with Phoenix (and Memphis is involved as well), but that’s all irrelevant unless the Wizards win some games. </p>
<ul><li id="0Gw089">First Round—Better of OKC or LAC selection, Projected: Mid-to-late 20s</li></ul>
<p id="p6dWN2">The Mavericks <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39484821/sources-mavericks-trade-daniel-gafford-wizards">acquired this pick by giving up swap rights to their 2028 draft pick to OKC.</a> The Thunder and Clippers are 3rd and 4th in the West, respectively. The pick could look a bit better by season’s end, but both teams seem poised to stay in the West’s top 6. </p>
<ul><li id="fuGHj2">Second Round—Suns, Projected: Late 40s-Early 50s</li></ul>
<p id="u8gQJZ">We can all thank Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause for this selection. </p>
<h2 id="NCHIuj">Mock Draft selections </h2>
<h3 id="sZbcx3"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39281094/2024-nba-mock-draft-21-college-prospects-scouts-monitoring">ESPN, Givony and Woo </a></h3>
<ul>
<li id="zXkWgC">#3—Cody Williams, SF, Colorado</li>
<li id="yf7E5s">#27—Oso Ighodaro, C, Marquette</li>
<li id="bCmMUD">#44—Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="0Lm2op">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2024/1/18/24031499/nba-mock-draft-2024-updated-projection-first-round-raptors-pistons">SBNation, Ricky O’Donnell</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="0S7Ge1">#3—Alexandre Sarr, C, Perth Wildcats (France)</li>
<li id="2HgoGL">#24—Bobi Klintman, PF, Cairns Taipans (Wake Forest) </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="gNft9g">
<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10106476-2024-nba-mock-draft-latest-2-round-predictions-pro-comparisons">B/R, Jonathan Wasserman</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="v2tsAj">#3—Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)</li>
<li id="bJwCOf">#26—Johnny Furphy, SF, Kansas</li>
<li id="XxXV1m">#48—Coleman Hawkins, PF, Illinois </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="YPiRue">
<a href="https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft">The Ringer, Kevin O’Connor</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="HsRnxZ">#2—Sarr</li>
<li id="PAXRtp">#24—Klintman</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="GIW5ZL">
<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-40-colorados-cody-williams-takes-over-top-spot-plus-full-first-round-predictions-184912912.html">Yahoo, Krysten Peek</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="dZGI69">#2—Sarr</li>
<li id="YnrPmS">#24—Carlton “Bub” Carrington, PG, Pitt</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="989wH9">
<a href="https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2024-nba-mock-draft-v2">No Ceilings</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="8zgyUI">#3—Reed Sheppard, SG, Kentucky</li>
<li id="U6Mjax">#24—Dillion Jones, F, Weber St. </li>
</ul>
<h3 id="Dr08HV">
<a href="https://tankathon.com/mock_draft">Tankathon</a> </h3>
<ul>
<li id="DZJuEX">#2—Nikola Topic, G, Serbia </li>
<li id="NRK3tw">#25—Izan Almansa, G League </li>
<li id="uUSjz9">#44—Jaylon Tyson, SG, California </li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/2/10/24067713/nba-draft-roundup-wizards-mock-draft-alexandre-sarr-cody-williams-nikola-topic-reed-sheppardGabriel Ibrahim2024-01-31T22:03:57-05:002024-01-31T22:03:57-05:00Recap: Washington’s winning streak clipped by LA, 125-109
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<img alt="Los Angeles Clippers v Washington Wizards" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U1sKcLCwUaXSRfUwZ-oSaKnamvc=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73102252/1976278605.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards fought hard for a half before the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard pulled away in the third quarter </p> <p id="chLA0l">The Wizards’ first win streak of the season is over. It lasted two games. May it rest in peace. Washington fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 125-109 in Brian Keefe’s fourth game as interim coach. After a tight first half, the Clippers outscored the Wizards 40-19 in the third quarter to turn the game into a blowout. The loss drops Washington to 9-38 on the season. They remain one of two teams in the NBA that have not yet won double-digit games along with the Pistons. </p>
<p id="jUXidC">Jordan Poole was a late scratch for Washington due to an illness. He would have been right at home in the opening quarter as both teams were scoring at will. The Clippers and Wizards posted offensive ratings around 150 as LA led 47-35 at the end of the first. Kyle Kuzma was cooking early with 14 of DC’s first 21 points. He got to his spots and made tough shots over smaller defenders. Corey Kispert added a scoring punch of his own with 13 points in the first half. </p>
<p id="Tu1OFX">Bilal Coulibaly got the start in place of Poole and responded very well. He picked up James Harden full court and held his own for a half against one of the league’s greatest scorers. He even picked <a href="https://x.com/chasedcsports/status/1752851479960879444?s=20">Harden’s pocket at one point</a>. He gave the Wizards their only lead of the game on a thunderous dunk late in the first quarter. </p>
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<p lang="tl" dir="ltr">BILAL COULIBALY. <a href="https://t.co/hTv1FMyAmH">pic.twitter.com/hTv1FMyAmH</a></p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1752853190813307095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a>
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<p id="hVzGK2">The scoring kept up through the end of the first half. Washington trailed 60-66 heading into the third quarter. Then a familiar story took hold. The Clippers started scoring, the Wizards struggled to score in the half court, DC turnovers gave LA easy points, and the game quickly got out of Washington’s reach. The 21-point blitz in the third quarter was Washington’s second-worst plus/minus in a quarter this season. </p>
<p id="mg03ta">Kawhi Leonard poured in 12 of his 31 points in the third quarter. Deni Avdija put up a valiant effort but Leonard would not be denied on his way to the rim and elbow jumpers. James Harden put up 25 points on 5 of 10 shooting from three to go along with 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. Russell Westbrook added 9 points and 7 assists of his own. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kawhi Leonard was elite on both ends in the Clippers' win over the Wizards!<br><br>31 PTS<br>9 REB<br>4 STL <a href="https://t.co/HJYIz9MUaU">pic.twitter.com/HJYIz9MUaU</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1752886760252600365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a>
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<p id="XqLPx8">Kuzma finished as the Wizards’ leading scorer with 27 points on 22 field goal attempts. Coulibaly logged a career-high 16 field goal attempts as he scored 19 points. Avdija (13), Kispert (16), and Marvin Bagley III (10) rounded out the scoring for DC. </p>
<p id="cjV0Y2">Washington has three games left in this homestand. The Miami Heat comes to the Nation’s Capital on Friday at 7 pm after breaking a seven-game win streak tonight. Unfortunately, Miami might be Washington’s easiest opponent for at least a couple of weeks. Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston, and Philadelphia all await the Wizards in February.</p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/1/31/24057708/washington-wizards-vs-los-angeles-clippers-final-score-nba-recapGabriel Ibrahim2024-01-30T16:12:33-05:002024-01-30T16:12:33-05:002024 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Alex Sarr
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<img alt="NBL Rd 11 - Perth Wildcats v Tasmania Jackjumpers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eo6UDOgC3q19gBoIBeltXefjTPE=/1x0:4189x2792/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73098058/1857266368.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Wizards may have a chance to draft another long Frenchman in 7-footer Alex Sarr</p> <p id="DKyP6H">With about two-and-half months left in what will likely be the worst season in the Wizards’ 63-year franchise history, the NBA Draft approaches<a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/1/30/24054731/nba-draft-roundup-wizards-zaccharie-risacher-alexandre-sarr-nikola-topic-jakobe-walter-cody-williams"> like a dim light at the end of a tunnel</a>. Washington will probably land a top-5 selection for the first time since 2013 when they selected Otto Porter to add to fellow top picks Bradley Beal (#3 in 2012) and John Wall (#1 in 2010). That early-2010s run of high draft selections led to the Wizards’ best five-year stretch since Wes Unseld Sr.’s playing days. </p>
<p id="G5n1iN">The mid-2020s Wizards are hoping to hit on a string of draft picks in the same way. Last year’s “selection” Bilal Coulibaly will be a part of the future and may be the star for DC someday. The 2023 class featured more projected superstars and a stronger overall class than 2024 (according to draft experts). So even with a higher draft pick, Washington may not land a better prospect than Coulibaly. But the ‘24 class has plenty of intriguing players who could make an impact at the next level. Let’s look at some of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft starting with Alexandre Sarr of the NBL’s Perth Wildcats. </p>
<h1 id="PwbJc4">About Sarr</h1>
<ul>
<li id="0XBhIw">Position: C/F </li>
<li id="DUSGzW">Height: 7’1”; Wingspan: 7’4 ½” </li>
<li id="XPXMcW">Age on Draft Day: 19.2 years old </li>
</ul>
<p id="KeOq3Z">Sarr is a part of the French Revolution storming the NBA. Born in Bordeaux and raised in Toulouse, he grew up in a basketball family with his dad who played in Senegal and his brother, Olivier, who plays for OKC now. He spent time in the Real Madrid youth system and Overtime Elite before playing true professional basketball in Australia’s NBL. He’s averaging 9.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 61.9% from two, 29.5% from three, and 66% at the free throw line. </p>
<h1 id="D8bL2L">Scouting Notes </h1>
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<p id="NQFKsg">Sarr’s best attribute is his physical profile right now. He’s a 7-footer with enough grace to attack from the perimeter, run the floor, confidently shoot jumpers, and even bring the ball up. He’s most comfortable around the paint on both ends right now and the Perth Wildcat try to place him near the basket as much as possible. He can hang in the air and use his extend-o-arms to block shots from bizarre angles while avoiding contact. He has also shown flashes of defending on the perimeter and switching ball screens. </p>
<p id="C6lOLI">Offensively, he has greatly improved his finishing around the basket in the past year as he grows into his body. Like many European players, he’s a great passer and has a good feel for the game. He consistently maintains good spacing and cuts while remaining a threat to score. He also displays great body language and seems like a good teammate. </p>
<p id="9iIGzn">Sarr will need to get more physical to play center at the next level, which is a given for most teenagers entering the league. His shot needs work and he might struggle to make an impact early on if he can’t improve it. He seems confident from mid-range, but his release resembles a catapult too much right now. He doesn’t always play with as much force as you would expect. When he’s feeling it, his energy brings a wow factor. But he sometimes lacks fire early in games or when struggling. For example, he will finish wide-open dunk attempts with soft layups occasionally. </p>
<p id="ZUfHsu">Sarr’s biggest potential question mark is if he can develop an elite skill in the NBA. He could be more of a jack-of-all-trades type who struggles to find a place. But at just 18 years old, he has plenty of time to evolve his game. </p>
<h1 id="a2Fp1k">Fit with Wizards </h1>
<p id="49x1GD">Winger and Dawkins obviously like a long Frenchman in last year’s draft. In a lot of ways, Sarr is the Center version of Coulibaly. Both of them are teenagers with professional experience in top leagues abroad. Sarr, like Coulibaly, will be a project offensively but could make an impact on defense early in his career. He fits the mold of what rebuilding teams have looked for recently and would fit in Washington’s timeline. </p>
<p id="MK2wBU">Positional needs shouldn’t be much of a factor at this stage in the rebuild. But Sarr makes a lot of sense with what the Wizards already have. He has drawn comparisons to Jarren Jackson Jr., Jonathan Issac, and Derek Lively II with his rim protection and play-finishing potential. Sarr at the five with Coulibaly and the recently-extended Deni Avdija on the wings makes for an intriguing young core on good value contracts. </p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2024/1/30/24056021/2024-nba-draft-prospect-profile-alex-sarrGabriel Ibrahim2023-12-30T20:15:58-05:002023-12-30T20:15:58-05:00Preview: Wizards host Hawks to end 2023
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<img alt="Brooklyn Nets v Washington Wizards" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SjU9An60Z_hk92nXumWEj4CvBPk=/0x0:5173x3449/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73010918/1885806140.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards snapped a three-game losing streak on Friday and look to win consecutive games for the first time this season against the struggling Hawks</p> <p id="qggRoS">Between a frustrating end to the 2022-23 season to trading the franchise cornerstone to a 5-25 start to 2023-24, this year has not been kind to the Washington Wizards. But the team can end the year on a winning streak after <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/12/30/24019476/the-numbers-crunch-second-half-defense-brings-wizards-a-win">beating the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night</a>. They face the Atlanta Hawks, who have dropped their last four games. A win on New Years’ Eve would give Washington its first winning streak since early March 2023. </p>
<h2 id="5AV6Y3"><strong>Game info</strong></h2>
<p id="giLhMe"><strong>When: </strong>Sunday, December 31 at 3 p.m. ET.</p>
<p id="RDzRdr"><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena, Washington</p>
<p id="wseCYs"><strong>TV: </strong>Monumental Sports Network</p>
<h2 id="0p6Nxm"><strong>Injuries</strong></h2>
<p id="P9puiP"><strong>Wizards: </strong>Danilo Gallinari, Out (back); Tyus Jones, Questionable (Foot)</p>
<p id="G8GQT9"><strong>Hawks: </strong>De’Andre Hunter, Out (knee) Mouhamed Gueye, Out (Back), Seth Lundy, Out (Ankle); Onyeka Okongwu, Doubtful (Illness) Trae Young, Probable (Knee)</p>
<h2 id="uGslLe">
<strong>What to watch for</strong> </h2>
<p id="EIkB85">For the second game in a row, the Wizards take on a struggling team in the middle of the Eastern Conference. Trae Young’s Hawks have dropped four straight games and 10 of their 13 games in December, same as the Wizards. Atlanta lead each of their last four games by double-digits before blowing the leads in the second half. The Hawks are sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, two games out of a spot in the play-in tournament. They will be hungry for a good performance in DC. </p>
<p id="B4jH5K">Atlanta won both matchups between the teams this season in November. The Hawks trashed the Wizards 136-108 in the last game. Young cruised to 26 points and 10 assists as he diced up Washington’s defense. Deni Avdija and Kyle Kuzma have been efficient against Atlanta this year while the guards have struggled to find their footing. Avdija and Kuzma both played great in the win over the Nets, so they should be expected to lead the Wizards again. </p>
<p id="mudSPB">Defending Young and the Hawks will be a challenge in general. The Wizards struggle to cut off dribble penetration and, often, leave bigs defending two players. Young feasts in those situations. In turn, the Hawks grab a lot of offensive rebounds as the bigs have to respond. They rank 3rd in the NBA for offensive rebounding percentage, according to Cleaning The Glass. Washington ranks dead last in defensive rebounding percentage. If the Wizards can hold Atlanta’s offense at bay, they should be able to score on the other end as the Hawks give up a lot of good looks at the rim. </p>
<p id="FXS7QI">It should be a good game and there’s a decent shot that the Wizards win. That has not been a statement we’ve been able to say much in 2023. Let’s hope we can say it more in 2024. Happy New Year! </p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/12/30/24020017/washington-wizards-vs-atlanta-hawks-nba-game-previewGabriel Ibrahim2023-12-28T18:39:00-05:002023-12-28T18:39:00-05:00Preview: Washington hosts Brooklyn with both teams struggling
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<img alt="Washington Wizards v Brooklyn Nets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OW97PWHnpH-i_sckG1qmNmBHhX4=/0x0:3782x2521/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73005689/1841537012.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards have struggled all season, but they face a Nets teams on a recent skid. Can they get a rare win at home? </p> <h2 id="qggRoS"><strong>Game info</strong></h2>
<p id="giLhMe"><strong>When: </strong>Friday, December 28th at 7 p.m. ET.</p>
<p id="RDzRdr"><strong>Where: </strong>Capital One Arena, Washington</p>
<p id="wseCYs"><strong>TV: </strong>Monumental Sports Network</p>
<h2 id="0p6Nxm"><strong>Injuries</strong></h2>
<p id="P9puiP"><strong>Wizards: </strong>Danilo Gallinari, questionable (back)</p>
<p id="G8GQT9"><strong>Nets: </strong>Lonnie Walker IV, out (hamstring/illness); Dorian Finney-Smith, probable (knee); Ben Simmons, out (back); Nic Claxton, probable (illness)</p>
<h2 id="uGslLe">
<strong>What to watch for</strong> </h2>
<p id="EIkB85">Both teams are struggling right now, which means the Wizards have an opportunity to win. Washington has been among the league’s worst teams all season, but Brooklyn has joined them in the NBA’s cellar recently. The Nets are 3-7 over their last 10 games with two of those wins coming against the historically bad Detroit Pistons. According to Cleaning The Glass, the Wizards rank 23rd in point differential per 100 possessions over the last two weeks. The Nets rank 24th. </p>
<p id="k1hczK">Brooklyn should be rested coming into the matchup. They sat Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Johnson, and Nic Claxton against the Bucks last night. In the previous two matchups between these teams, the Nets completely smothered the Wizards’ offense as they mustered just 94 and 97 points, respectively. Washington couldn’t buy a three or a defensive rebound in those games. Mikal Bridges scored 48 points across the two matchups. The Wizards had no answer for his pick-and-roll game in either game. </p>
<p id="1onM7G">The Wizards are coming off<a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/12/27/24016945/wizards-vs-raptors-recap-another-blowout-loss-in-the-district"> another blowout loss against the Raptors</a>. The result was not all that surprising given that Toronto was rested and the Wizards were coming back from a West Coast swing plus Christmas. But it was disappointing to see the team get run out of the gym again after putting up good fights in the previous three games. The Wizards’ guards could have good matchups to attack, especially if Dennis Smith starts again. If the threes start falling, Washington could have a good chance to steal a win against a pretty good team at home.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/12/28/24017769/washington-wizards-brooklyn-nets-nba-game-previewGabriel Ibrahim2023-12-19T00:51:54-05:002023-12-19T00:51:54-05:00Recap: Wizards lose to Kings in Sacramento, 143-131
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<img alt="Washington Wizards v Sacramento Kings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sJh4i8qqQ9BOCTOH1GC8jq_pzX4=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72977565/1858334335.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards led early against Sacramento, but ended up getting blown out in second game of Pacific Coast road trip.</p> <p id="vmeF96">Three days after snapping a six-game losing streak, the Wizards have started a new one. Washington got blown out by the Sacramento Kings, 143-131. Washington trailed by as many as 26 points in the second half and never had a chance after the first quarter. The loss drops Washington to 4-22 as they head to Portland then San Francisco to wrap up their first West Coast trip of the season. </p>
<p id="5qkE4l">Early on, the Wizards looked up to the task of facing the West’s 4-seed. They took a six-point lead in the opening quarter and led 31-27. But the Kings quickly took control of the game with a 22-8 run in the second quarter. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis combined for 29 of Sacramento’s 39 points in that quarter. </p>
<p id="b5gRFh">It only got worse in the third quarter. Mike Brown and the Kings continually found soft spots in Washington’s defense with simple actions that they ran repeatedly. Sacramento scored 46 points and it didn’t look particularly hard. They scored 22 of those 3rd quarter points in the paint and ended the game with 64. Washington’s porous perimeter defense gave way as Daniel Gafford struggled with foul trouble. </p>
<p id="6iiemr">Jordan Poole had an efficient night from the field. He scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting. He also seemed to be having a good time with Malik Monk as the two battled. We should all be glad someone is having fun. Kyle Kuzma poured in 27 points of his own and Bilal Coulibaly also reached double digits with 11 points. On the flip side, Sabonis registered his 34th career triple-double (28/11/12), Fox dropped 30, Keegan Murray had 25, and Harrison Barnes scored 19 points. </p>
<p id="DqRVg8">Washington’s defense may get a slight break against the 6-19 Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday at 10 pm EST. Happy Holidays! </p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/12/19/24007471/washington-wizards-vs-sacramento-kings-final-score-nba-recapGabriel Ibrahim2023-11-26T22:00:42-05:002023-11-26T22:00:42-05:00Preview: Wizards face Detroit in battle of NBA’s worst teams
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<img alt="Atlanta Hawks v Washington Wizards" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XCfyXvOj2J7kcQKSBQ37JjxGmAI=/0x0:5391x3594/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72904620/1814018878.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wizards have lost nine consecutive games. The Pistons’ losing streak is at 13. Something has to give on Monday.</p> <p id="YADFVF">Welcome to the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/11/25/23971736/nba-washington-wizards-detroit-pistons-ineptitude-bowl">NBA’s Ineptitude Bowl</a>. The Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons are a combined 4-28 on the season and neither team has won since November 9th. One of these teams will break their streak while the other gets closer to locking up the best odds in the draft lottery. </p>
<h2 id="sEfFb1"><strong>Game info</strong></h2>
<p id="giLhMe"><strong>When: </strong>Monday, November 27 at 7 p.m. ET.</p>
<p id="RDzRdr"><strong>Where: </strong>Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI</p>
<p id="wseCYs"><strong>TV: </strong>Monumental Sports Network</p>
<h2 id="GR2Fyf"><strong>Injuries</strong></h2>
<p id="bw5yui"><strong>Wizards: </strong>Jordan Poole, Questionable (left ankle); Ryan Rollins, Out (right knee); Delon Wright (left knee)</p>
<p id="FxHx1Z"><strong>Pistons:</strong> Bojan Bogdanovic, Out (right calf); Joe Harris, Out (right shoulder) Monte Morris (right quadriceps)</p>
<h2 id="y3kQEF"><strong>What to watch for</strong></h2>
<p id="XIlMhc">The Wizards are four-point underdogs against a team that has lost 13 straight games. That’s a pretty good summation of how this season has gone so far. Like the Wizards, Detroit got crushed in their last game after nearly pulling an upset on a title contender. The Pistons are in the fifth year of a rebuild as they hope that Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and their other young players grow up into stars. </p>
<p id="q0VRK4">Cunningham leads the team in scoring, averaging 22 points per game. He’s been inefficient and his turnovers have dragged him down. Duren had an amazing start to the season before injuries put a pause on his growth. Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson are promising wings who have shown flashes of brilliance. </p>
<p id="kiZeWM">The Wizards will hopefully look fresher than they did on Saturday against Atlanta. Bilal Coulibaly might be in store for a big game. The Pistons turn the ball over more than all but one team in the NBA. Coulibaly should have chances to turn steals into transition layups. Kyle Kuzma is heading back to his hometown team, so hopefully he’s energized. </p>
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https://www.bulletsforever.com/2023/11/26/23977263/washington-wizards-detroit-pistons-nba-game-previewGabriel Ibrahim