March 22, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward Tyler Hansbrough (50) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin (13) and Wizards forward Jan Vesely (24) defend in the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE
Washington Wizards Off Season Recap
The Wizards made a couple of moves to improve their roster.  They picked up Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza in a trade for Rashard Lewis.  They also used an amnesty clause Andray Blatche, who hasn’t done anything.  The Wizards would have rather just unloaded him on another team, but they dumped his salary anyways, and look better in the long run.  The Wizards also picked up former Pacers point guard, A.J. Price, who should be a formidable back up for John Wall.  Price should get plenty of time in Washington something that wouldn’t have happened in Indiana.  He looked to be decent for the back up position at times for the Pacers.  At other times, he looked completely lost out there.  But he needs to get playing time to show what he can do, and he’ll get that for the Wizards.
This Wizards team is still a ways off from getting back into playoff contention.  This is a young team as there’s no player over 29, so veteran presence would be great for the Wizards.  John Wall is turning into a stud, but who else is there to help him?  Emeka Okafor has lost something in his career, but maybe he can still find a way to help the Wizards.  As a Butler fan, I would love for Shelvin Mack to have a good career there for the Wizards, but I don’t know if he’ll get the playing time to show what he can do.  He did get some time last season, but this team seems loaded up on the guard position.  Overall, they are just some players away from even sniffing the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards Match Up
In this match up, I can see the Wizards having an advantage at the point guard position as John Wall has looked so good in the short time he’s been playing.  George Hill will have to do his best to slow down the play of Wall.  The fact that Wall can score and dish out the assists is something that most teams would drool over to have in their point guard.  He’s got a way to get to the basket and make plays so many ways.
The Pacers’ big advantage is their big men in Roy Hibbert and David West.  I think the Pacers have to find a way for those guys to get the ball against many teams in the NBA, especially the Wizards as I don’t think there’s a guy on the roster that can handle Hibbert.  Nene could provide a challenge, but Emeka Okafor coming in shouldn’t be a problem.
This is the type of team that once again, the Pacers should beat and move on to the next game.  The Wizards might steal a game, but I can’t see it meaning much as the Wizards aren’t playoff bound, and the Pacers are worried about bigger expectations.
Your review about the teams is very balance and you’re pointing out strength and weakness with so much depth. Just hope to have good game.
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