The Best of the Day: May 20th, 2021

The Washington Wizards clinched the eighth spot in the East after a dominant performance versus Indiana on Thursday. It was a great team effort, as many players balled out. Bradley Beal had a game-high 25 points, Russell Westbrook was two boards away from a triple-double, Rui Hachimura shot 75% from the field with 18 points, and Daniel Gafford posted a double-double off the bench. One thing many of these players have in common is that they were brought to DC during the Tommy Sheppard era.

Sheppard was appointed the interim general manager for DC back in April 2019 and was elevated to the GM position three months later in July. Since taking over, he has made many great moves that has Washington in the playoffs for the first time in three years. Some of these changes he’s made include drafting Hachimura, as well as acquiring Westbrook, Davis Bertans, and Gafford in clear winning trades. All four of these players have been great for DC and are key reasons why they made the postseason this year.

The Wizards had their highest win% in three seasons, and have been one of the best teams in the NBA during the second half of the year, especially when mid-season pickup Daniel Gafford has been in the lineup (17-6). Additionally, many of his new players are having their best years in major stat categories. 

Russ had a career-high in assists, Gafford in points and rebounds, and Hachimura in points. Sheppard is proving to be the long-term guy at GM for Washington, and they have a bright future with him running the show. While the Head Coach on the sidelines might need to be changed sooner than later, Sheppard has proven to be a high-quality decision-maker in the front office and is building DC back to being a perennial playoff contender. 

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ISH BEHIND HIS HEAD TO GAFF ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️#WizPacers | @IshSmith pic.twitter.com/jKYhGNcaOc

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 21, 2021