Washington Wizards: Breaking Down the Depth Chart

Shooting Guard

Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) smiles after making a three point field goal as Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal is the second half of arguably the NBA’s best rising young backcourt. The fourth-year player missed a good amount of time at the beginning of last season due to injury. When he came back, he was impressive, but he certainly wasn’t at his best. Beal averaged 15.3 points, 3.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

Beal has a beautiful jump shot and is very underrated as an athlete. He possesses the skill to get to the rim at will and can shoot the lights out of the gym. He’s also a strong defender and hopes to make the All-NBA Defensive team this season. One flaw in his game that he has actively been working on is his tendency to shoot long two-pointers.

The first to come off the bench behind Beal will most likely be Alan Anderson, who spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. Anderson is a volume scorer who’s had an up-and-down career. The Wizards will need him to assume the role that players like Trevor Ariza and Rasual Butler have held in the past.

Washington added Towson-product Gary Neal this summer as well. He fits well into what the Wizards do. They like to space the floor and both Neal and Anderson allow them to do just that. Adding two more shooters assures that the offense doesn’t have to change when Beal is out of the game.

The Wizards are also hopeful that they can get some production from Martell Webster, but if plays like he did last season, he’ll be the odd man out in a crowded backcourt.

Grade: B+