Hope Springs Eternal: A Positive Outlook for the Wizards

The Wizards begin the second half of the season tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks. After a disappointing and frustrating first half of the season, which included my friends all laughing at me, I’m still hopeful and optimistic about this team. Now I know you’re probably wondering what makes me sanguine about the Wizards prospects, and I’m glad you asked.

It all starts with the franchise, John Wall. Reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. His play has improved dramatically as the season has progressed. I’m not blaming the sluggish play at the start of the season entirely on the lockout; ok I am blaming it on the lockout. Now, Wall is a threat to go for a triple double every night and is poised to make the jump to superstar status sooner than expected. Hope springs eternal.

The supporting cast also offers some glimmers of hope. JaVale McGee and Nick Young have both shown flashes of brilliance coupled with their fair share of cringe worthy moments. Hopefully both of them feel slighted about being left out of the all-star festivities, not the game but the dunk contest and the three point shootout respectively, I’m not that delusional. Hopefully they take their frustrations out on the court.

Jordan Crawford has toned down his unrelenting gunning and only takes the occasional bad shot; hopefully he continues to curb his passion for contested jumpers early in the shot clock.

Trevor Booker has been a bright spot this year doing all of the little things and the dirty work, hopefully it rubs off on the rest of the team.

Because his contract is only guaranteed for $10 million next year, Rashard Lewis’ immovable contract becomes a little more movable. Hopefully Ernie Grunfeld needs to make it happen.

I am also hopeful Andray Blatche gets healthy and balls out of control for a month, if only to increase his trade value. And if all else fails, maybe the Wizards get the #1 pick again because John Wall to Anthony Davis would be crazy.

That’s a lot of wishing and hoping but you know what they say: hope springs eternal.