3 realistic goals for Washington Wizards in 2021 NBA Playoffs

2. Prove Bradley Beal isn’t wasting his time in Washington

Though he needs to be healthy enough to play at a high level in these postseason games, how Washington performs in their next two or more games will determine if shooting guard Bradley Beal is wasting his time in D.C. or not. For the last few years, Beal has been one of the most intriguing trade candidates in the entire NBA. Could you imagine if he played for a contender?

Should Washington defeat Boston on Tuesday night to get the No. 7 seed, that would go a long way towards Beal having staying power in the nation’s capital. Washington might be able to take a few games in their first-round series, no matter the opponent. If Beal and Westbrook can play up to their potential, they have an outside shot of taking the Nets to maybe as far as seven games.

Again, Washington’s postseason run is all about variance. It could go over very well and propel the Wizards into a hyped-up 2021-22 season just as easily as it could be a play-in tournament disaster and necessitate blowing the whole thing up. There is a ton of pressure on Beal, Westbrook and head coach Scott Brooks for Washington to make the playoffs and win games.

Ultimately, Beal is not getting any younger and Washington needs to start winning more regularly if he is to be a part of their long-term plans. If the Wizards cannot win a single playoff game as the eighth-place team entering the play-in tournament, the inevitable rebuild is nigh. However, stealing a few games vs. the Nets or 76ers as a lower-seeded team could be what is needed here.