What's Wrong With the Wizards?

There's a surprising team at the bottom of the Eastern conference standings. With a record of 8-22, this talented group is finding new ways to define underachievement. The Washington Wizards combination of terrible effort and lackluster execution has negated the substantial skill on their roster. As of December 30th they have yet to win a single road game.

The most baffling thing about Washington's start is they have the talent to be a high-profile playoff team. They have a terrific young frontcourt with springy seven-footer JaVale McGee and brawny power-forward Andray Blatche. McGee is one of the great shot blockers in the league and Blatche has the potential to be dominant force inside, averaging 21 points-per-game in his first three months of real playing time last season. Rashard Lewis at small-forward is a two-time all-star, a terrific three point shooter and one of the highest paid guys in the league. And the Wizards have Kirk Hinrich and John Wall in the backcourt. The wily Hinrich plays the role of veteran defensive stopper while Wall, the exhilarating number one pick, is an explosive offensive presence. Despite all these big names, the best player for Washington this year has been dazzling but previously unknown two-guard, Nick Young.

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