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2015-16 Southeast Division Preview

By Brett David Roberts

May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) react against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) react against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Wall, Washington Wizards
Oct 21, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) in the second half of a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards

2015 Record: 46-36
Championship Odds: +5000
Predicted W/L: 50-32

The Washington Wizards may be the team the Cavaliers, Bulls and Hawks most want to avoid in a second round matchup.

John Wall is on a seeming mission to make up for lost time and establish himself as one of the league’s absolute best. And Bradley Beal seems to be on the verge of becoming a superstar in his own right. Perhaps only STephen Curry and Klay Thompson best Wall and Beal as the league’s best backcourt. But wait, are they that good?

It depends on how much you value what the team has beyond its loaded backcourt.

Otto Porter, Jr. is an interesting forward who could become a major two-way talent. Nene Hilario and Marcin Gortat are a tough 4/5 combo and both defend very well, especially in pick and rolls. Porter also showed himself to have a good 3-point shot in the postseason, which will help accent Beal’s gunning well.

Kelly Oubre, Jr. is also an interesting piece as a rookie who could even contribute scoring-wise already.

Losing Paul Pierce is a blow, because it always helped to have one more clutch performer. Pierce clearly is on his last legs, but even in such a state he is a viable NBA player whose value late in games is really going to be tough for the Wizards to make up for.

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