The Washington Wizards haven’t had the best track record throughout their franchise’s history. Even with their bright young core, history has never favored the Wizards. They won their lone championship almost 50 years ago and haven’t returned to the NBA Finals since the 1978-79 season. They arguably have one of the worst franchise histories in all of North American sports. What’s even more disheartening is the recent streak of former Wizards players who have made the NBA Finals on other rosters.
This Wizards Player Streak a Lock to Continue
Since 2017, the Wizards have had a former player reach the NBA Finals, and this season it’s going to continue. Last season, Kristaps Porzingis kept this streak going. Now, five former Washington players represent two of the four teams remaining in the playoffs. What makes the streak impossible to end is that both of those teams are in the Eastern Conference—meaning one will be eliminated and the other will head to the finals. The Knicks have two representatives, and the Pacers have three.
While these players vary in their contribution levels, it still shows that the Wizards have an eye for talent, even if it doesn’t work out for them in the long run.
New York Knicks
Delon Wright played for the Wizards across two seasons, playing in 83 games, averaging 20.2 minutes a game. Wright averaged 5.7 points per game and shot his career-high field goal percentage (47.4%) in his first season with the team.
Wright ended up being bought out by the Wizards towards the end of the 2023-24 season and signed with the Heat to finish the campaign. Interestingly enough, after signing with the Bucks earlier this year, he was involved in the Kyle Kuzma–Khris Middleton deal. The Knicks acquired Wright for Jericho Sims in that trade.
Wright has only appeared in two games for the Knicks during the playoffs, and the bench will most likely be the best situation for him headed into the deepest parts of the postseason.
Landry Shamet is the other former Wizards player in New York. Shamet played 46 games for the Wizards last season and averaged 7.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 15.8 minutes a game. Shamet has never put up eye-popping numbers on any roster he’s been on. However, he has appeared in seven playoff games for the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers
Jarace Walker was selected eighth overall by Washington, and the Wizards exchanged him for Bilal Coulibaly and two second-round picks. Walker has contributed to the Pacers’ success, while Coulibaly looks to become a cornerstone in Washington as his future unfolds.
Walker averaged 15.8 minutes during the regular season for the Pacers. While his playoff success hasn’t been overly impressive, he’s still a big reason the Pacers are where they are right now.
Quenton Jackson didn’t spend much time in Washington. Jackson only played nine games in the 2022-23 season for the Wizards and contributed 6.2 points across 15 minutes a game.
After being waived by the Wizards, the Pacers added Jackson, but his addition didn’t translate to individual success. He’s only played 31 games for Indiana and hasn’t played in a game since the end of the regular season.
Thomas Bryant spent the most time in Washington. He played for the Wizards across four seasons and appeared in 155 games. At one point, Bryant looked to be on the rise as one of the young and bright centers. Injuries got the best of him, and now he finds himself playing backup minutes on a contending roster.
He’s got a long injury history, with varying levels of seriousness. However, when Bryant is healthy, he’s a jack-of-all-trades. In February, Myles Turner went out with a neck injury, and Bryant stepped into the spotlight.
Once the playoffs hit, Bryant saw his role drop significantly. However, his fierceness on the court and excitement on the bench are put on full display every game.
The Last Word on Wizards’ Streak
Washington’s front office has a keen eye for talent. However, they’ve proven time and time again that it won’t always work. However, the future is bright in Washington. The shift in their rebuild process has helped build a compatible roster. The Wizards are now determined to build through the draft and trade for assets they believe will only benefit their young core. Hopefully, come next season, this stat won’t be such a nightmare to put into perspective.
Photo credit: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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