Looking back at the history of DC Basketball, Wizards fans like to focus on the good that came out of the 44-year era headed by now deceased owner Abe Polin, and how could we not? Polin's philanthropic attitude helped to remove many of the stigmas associated with our nation's capital and by building the Verizon Center transformed Chinatown, once a crime-ridden neighborhood into a flourishing district filled with shops, dining and, of course, sports. An advocate against violence, Polin even went so far as to change the team's name from the Bullets to the Wizards in 1997.
With all of the good that Polin did for the community, it was easy for us to overlook what a mediocre product he actually put out on the basketball court. Since the 1970s, where the Bullets participated in four NBA Finals and won their only NBA Title during the 1977-78 season, Washington has made the playoffs just 12 times in 32 years, and has only managed to get past the first round twice. It seemed like things were finally looking up in the late 90's when the '96 Bullets snuck into the playoffs as an 8 seed while playing four close games against Jordan's Bulls in what ended in a sweep. I know this sounds ridiculous considering the team was swept in the first round, but the fact of the matter was that the Bullets were in the midst of an nine year playoff drought and with a young and talented starting five, including Fab-Five teammates Chris Webber and Juwan Howard the future looked bright.Before they had a chance to take off, the newly named Washington Wizards traded Chris Webber, their best player, for Mitch Richmond and headed back into the dark ages we refer to as the Jordan era. In one of his first seasons as GM, the backsliding Wizards caught a break and won the draft lottery, positioning MJ to draft a key building block to the team's success. Unfortunately, that building block turned out to be future NBA Journeyman Kwame Brown. Things looked bright a few years later after a couple of ex-Golden State Warriors came to DC and transformed the team into a perennial playoff contender (usually a 5 seed or lower) from 2005-2009. You all know what happens next- Gilbert gets a max deal, then gets injured, then brings guns into the locker room and the team goes back into full rebuilding mode.
I know I'm rambling here, but my point is that since the 1970's ended, things have been pretty bad for the Wizards and their loyal fans. However, after Polin's death in 2009, a new era began in Washington, as a young(er), energetic, upstart owner (and current Washington Capitals Owners) Ted Leonsis assumed control of the franchise. His first acts as owner: changing up the uniforms, drafting John Wall in 2010, cutting the fat from the "gun era," and bringing in quality locker room guys to build around the rookies, a plan that was successful for transitioning the Caps into perennial contenders. Now, two years in the aftermath of the gun era, these new looks Wizards took another huge step forward by drafting Florida freshman Bradley "The Real Deal" Beal third overall in this year's draft.Beal brings a dynamic element to the team and fills the scoring guard hole that hasn't existed since the days of Gilbert Arenas. I got to watch this kid play during his freshman campaign at Florida, where he led a young Gator team to its second Elite Eight appearance in as many years. Florida head coach Billy Donovan went as far as saying that Beal was the most NBA ready player he has ever coached . His ability to learn from mistakes and to take criticism well have helped him to develop his game continually since his days in St. Louis where he was named National High School Player of the year.
First of all, Beal is a pure shooter. Drawing comparisons to a young Ray Allen, he has sweet spots all over the court. including from long range, and sometimes makes to look almost too easy when he puts the ball in the basket. His on-court presence will be a perfect compliment to the aggressive, speedy, drive-to-the-basket style of Wall. If all goes according to plan, Wall should draw double teams driving to the basket leaving Beal free for open shots. That's not to say that Beal doesn't have an aggressive side as well, just ask the Marquette Golden Eagles who had an unfortunate run in with Beal back in March. In their 58-68 loss to the Florida Gators in one of last year's Sweet Sixteen match-ups which was arguably his most complete game, Beal went off for 21 points (8-10 shooting), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a pear of steals and blocks. He was all over the floor, knocking down threes, being aggressive at the rim, and breaking defenders' ankles, beating them off the dribble for easy lay-ups.Was his one year in college a small sample size? Yes, but it's clear that when Beal brings his A-game, he is a force to be reckoned with, and at the age of 19, the kid has limitless potential to be a star in the NBA. I was shocked and relieved when the Charlotte Bobcats (drafting second) passed on Beal in favor of Kentucky one-and-done Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, as I thought Beal would assuredly follow Anthony Davis in the draft order. For once though, things seemed to fall in place for the Wiz as they took no time to pick the guy they had been after all along.
When you consider the off-season trade that allowed the Wiz to dump Rashard Lewis' horrendous deal in exchange for veterans Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, along with the absolutely necessary amnesty of disgruntled center Andre Blatche, this team seems to actually have some decent pieces. Now, the team is looking at a starting line-up consisting of Beal and Wall at the guard positions, veteran big men Okafor and Nene on the front lines and a rotation of wing men headed by Ariza to help develop the inexperienced small forwards. The addition of Okafor also allows Nene to move back to his more natural power forward position, a role that he should excel in next season. This is the first time in years that I can say that I like the direction this team is headed, and, barring any incidents involving firearms (knock on wood) the future is mighty bright for this new look team.
