With the first pick in the 2010 NBA Draft the Wizards selected their new face of the franchise, John Wall. Wall was the consensus number 1 collegiate prospect and the first star player for the Wizards in years. There was a buzz in the city about basketball again. Three seasons later, here we are in 2013. While it has been a baptism by fire the past couple years, this very young team has finally shown signs of maturity, consistency, and chemistry that all great teams require.
Since 2010, the team's front office has made player transactions to remove "headache" players and replaced them with a mixture of wise veterans and exciting young talent. A serious effort has been made in the last 3 years to change the culture within the franchise, and that effort is starting to show results, as the Wizards are expecting to contend for their first playoff appearance since 2009 next season. So who are these guys anyway? Here's a look at a few players who are the foundation of the new era of Washington basketball:
JOHN WALL
The team leader out of University of Kentucky is arguably the fastest player in the entire league. At 22, he is learning more every day about being a leader as well as improving his game. After sitting out the first half of the 2012-13 season, Wall had his "coming out party" in the league upon his return, dominating opponents and announcing to the league that the he and his team are to be taken very seriously from here on out.
The newest addition the team, but you'd never guess he was the youngest player on the roster. Beal is mature beyond his 19 year old age and is a deadly jump shooter with a sound work ethic. Wall and Beal could emerge as the most fearsome backcourt in the years to come.
This beast from Brazil came to the Wizards via trade a little over a year ago and made his presence felt immediately. On top of being one of the strongest players in the league, Nene is also a consummate professional and has taken on a mentoring role for his many younger teammates.