Way Too Early Takeaways from the Beginning of the NBA Season

2. What’s the deal with Washington?

Before the start of season, many people had the Washington Wizards as a playoff team in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Russell Westbrook created a basketball buzz in the country’s capital for the first time since the days of Gilbert Arenas. However, after a couple of weeks into the season, that buzz has turned mute. As of writing this, the Wizards have the worst record in the league at 1-5.

Despite Bradley Beals 31 points per game, which is second in the league, and Westbrook averaging a triple-double, the Wizards stink.

Washington has given up more than 110 points in 5 of their 6 games. The game they didn’t give up more than 110, was their only win of the season against he Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 109.

When looking at the stats, it doesn’t make much sense that they’re this bad on the defensive end. According to lineups.com, the Wizards rank 28th in points allowed per game, but besides that, they are around middle of the pack in every other stat.

On paper they shouldn’t be this bad, but then when turning on the TV to a Wizards game, it’s hard not to see why they are so bad on defense. They play no team defense. It’s as simple as that.

The Wizards put up a lot of points, but they don’t play any defense. If this trend keeps up, then head coach Scott Brooks may be out of a job soon, and Bradley Beal may be the next superstar to request a trade.