In only a few short months, Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee and guard Nick Young have compiled a full season’s worth of highlight-reel bloopers. From blown layups to boneheaded plays, the mishaps of Young and McGee emphatically epitomized the Wizards’ season. In an effort to rid themselves of the foolishness, the Wizards struck a few deals shortly before the NBA trade deadline on March 15 and bid adieu to both players in a three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Immediately following the trade, fans stormed the airwaves to voice their pleasure and relief. It’s been that kind of season for the Wizards where team followers are rejoicing for the departure of long-tenured players. The AFRO recaps the week that was and wasn’t for the Washington Wizards.
March 12–Wizards 97, San Antonio 112—In their first game out west on a six-game road trip, Washington battled one of the league’s best teams to the bitter end. The final score wasn’t really indicative of the way Washington played but an obvious talent differential was the true deciding factor in another loss by a double-digit margin. McGee led the team with 21 points and 15 rebounds while guard Jordan Crawford added 19 points and five assists. Washington never could find an answer, however, for Spurs guard Tony Parker who recorded a game-high 31 points while chipping in seven assists. Parker abused Washington in the paint with several slashes to the basket to help San Antonio record their 12th straight win over the Wizards.
March 13–Wizards 98, Dallas 107—With no time to rest, Washington journeyed to Texas for a date with the defending National Basketball Association champion Dallas Mavericks. Despite giving up 60 points in the first half, the Wizards hung close with the Mavs in the second half of the game. Center Trevor Booker led Washington with 20 points and 12 rebounds but lost his match against all pro forward Dirk Nowitzki, who led all scorers with 27 points.
March, 15–Wizards 99, New Orleans 88—Perhaps inspired by a busy day of trades, Washington arrived in the bayou and took it to the lowly Hornets. Wall saddled the team on his back to post one of his finer games of the season with 26 points, 12 assists, three steals and four rebounds. In an increased role due to the void left by Young’s departure, reserve guard Roger Mason filled in admirably, totaling 19 points while connecting on four three-pointers. Wall’s huge night marked his 10th double-double of the season.
March 16–Wizards 88, Atlanta 102—Operating on a short roster while the team awaited a physical by Nene, Washington’s 10-man rotation against the surging Hawks couldn’t find a consistent scorer to match the efforts of Atlanta’s Joe Johnson. The shooting guard led all scorers with 34 points, including six three-pointers, as the Hawks breezed to an easy victory. Behind Booker’s 18 points and nine rebounds, Washington outrebounded Atlanta but that was about the only thing that went right for the road team. Wall recorded 14 points and nine assists but was also forced into nine turnovers.
Weekly Recap: While Young and McGee’s departure signals one of the last pages remaining to be turned (Andray Blatche is probably next) in an era of disappointment for the team, the reality is that their talent will sorely be missed. For all the mistakes that the dysfunctional duo made, there were also outings in which the two stars shined brightly. McGee remains an athletic shot blocker with loads of potential while Young has proven he can score with the best in the league on any given night. The swap for Nene brings the team consistent scoring in the low post but also saddles Washington with an expensive contract (five years, $67 million) and an aging 29-year-old center that has proven to be injury prone. This could be a move that could haunt Washington for a long time.
