By Tyler Keller, Director of Basketball Personnel
May 21, 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.

  • With only a 0.4% chance of making the playoffs at the trade deadline, DC went on a 19-10 run to end the year
  • DC is 17-6 when Daniel Gafford plays and 17-32 without Gafford during the 2020-21 regular season
  • Washington has made the postseason for the 1st time since the 2017-18 NBA season
  • Wizards have not made a conference finals since 1979
 
Odds vs. IND: WAS -155 (Spread -3.5)

TOMMY SHEPPARD IS A GREAT GM FOR DC MOVING FORWARD

COLORS KEY | FULL WIZARDS OUTLOOK 

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. 

  • Westbrook’s full game highlights vs. Indiana

 

  • Gafford’s double-double to help clinch a playoff spot for DC

 

  • Hachimura’s effective night

 

  • Bradley Beal’s 25 points in just 3 quarters

 

  • Full Pacers-Wizards game highlights

 

 

 

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