Washington Wizards 2015-16 NBA season preview

Biggest Offseason Success

This summer was relatively quiet for the Wizards. They added veterans such as Gary Neal, Jared Dudley and Alan Anderson, although none of those names exactly bring the ability that can take a team over the edge. The three point shooting of the first two may be a welcome addition after Washington ranked a mere 27th in made threes per game last season, but it won’t transform a team. Especially not a team hoping to emerge as a real contender.

There’s another name that needs mentioning, though. Sadly for Wizards fans, it isn’t Kevin Durant yet. That dream can’t get any closer to potential reality until next summer. However, trading for rookie forward Kelly Oubre Jr. after he was drafted by the Hawks is significant.

At 6’7″, Oubre immediately looks like a typical NBA small forward. That isn’t all, though. With a ridiculous wingspan of 7’2″, he has more length than most GMs could wish for in a promising young rookie. Even though he’s far from being a polished product to consistently deliver at a high level in the NBA, he has the physical tools and speed to become an elite perimeter defender (he’s already had three games with at least three steals this preseason). With a 35.8 percent three point stroke in his last season with Kansas, he has good enough shooting to step in as a valuable 3-and-D guy off the bench. If he can keep perfecting the form and arc of his jump shot, Oubre can become even more effective as a dynamic two-way player.

The potential is sky high. Hopefully for the sake of the Wizards, it starts appearing sooner rather than later.

Biggest Offseason Loss

Paul Pierce is gone. After one season of providing his one-of-a-kind veteran swagger and game winning prowess, The Truth has left Washington. He started all the 73 games he played in last season, and even at 37 years of age he contributed 11.9 points on 44.7 percent shooting, a 38.9 percent three point shot, and his immense value as a proven veteran leader with the ability to deliver in close fourth quarter situations.

Without Pierce on the floor, the Wizards trailed opponents by an average of 1.9 points per 100 possessions. When The Truth entered the game, though, they outscored opponents by 3.7 points per 100 possessions instead. With his shooting, surprisingly resilient defense and constant leadership, Pierce could make a difference all around.

There’s no point trying to understate the loss of Pierce now that he’s joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Even with more three point shooters, the Wizards still won’t have his combination of swagger, skill and clutch ability. He’s simply the kind of player that all championship contenders benefit from having onboard.

At least a young talent like Oubre can help fill the void on the perimeter with superior length and athleticism.

Next: Key Offseason Additions and Losses