Washington Wizards 2015-16 Season Preview & Predictions

May 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards are coming off of a 46-36 season, which ended in the team being bounced in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year. In 2015, the Wizards will be looking to reverse that fortune. The front office has brought in a few key pieces for Randy Wittman to utilize this season, which they hope will take this team to the next level. This is no longer a team that will be sneaking up on people, as they have established themselves as a legitimate threat in the East. Although a young team, they are ready to make a run.

Here’s a look at what the 2015-16 season will look like for the Wizards.

Projected Starting 5: PG: John Wall, SG: Bradley Beal, SF: Otto Porter Jr., PF: Jared Dudley, C: Marcin Gortat

Key Reserves: Nene, Kelly Oubre Jr., Gary Neal, Ramon Sessions, Alan Anderson, Kris Humphries, Drew Gooden

Key Losses: Paul Pierce, Rasual Butler, Kevin Seraphin, Will Bynum

Team MVP: John Wall

Each and every year, Wall has taken his game to new heights. He averaged a double-double a season ago (17.6 points, 10 assists). He’s been the best and most consistent player for the Wizards since joining the league in 2011. Wall has been selected to the past two All-Star Games and is on the path to be in many more in the coming years.

Breakout Player: Otto Porter Jr.

Porter showed flashes of what made him a No. 3 overall pick late last season, particularly in the playoffs. The former Georgetown Hoya averaged 10 points per game and shot 38 percent from behind the arc. He also proved that he is a very capable defender, being able to guard multiple positions. He moves into a starting role this season and will have plenty of opportunities to shine some more.

Bold Predictions:

Wall finishes in the Top 5 in MVP voting
Beal emerges as an All-Star
Wizards earn a Top 3 seed in the Eastern Conference

Projected Finish: 50-32, Win Southeast Division

The Wizards fell shy of the 50-win mark last season, but I think they’ll reach it this season. At first, I was hesitant about the team’s chances this season, as many project Washington to take a step back. Upon further reflection, however, the only sure thing in the Eastern Conference is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The jury is still out on everybody else. Take a look at the first two bold predictions. If they come to fruition, the third is likely to happen. The Wizards may even get over the second round hump that has haunted them the past two seasons.

Next: Are the Wizards a Contender in the East This Season?

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