The two seasons have produced playoff appearances, all-star players, postseason excitement and magical shots.
But there’s something that hasn’t happened in Wizards coach Eddie Jordan and president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld’s time together in Washington. It’s what Jordan said he wants to see this season. In person.
“The Eastern Conference finals,” he said. “That’s the next step. I would like to think it would be this year. In my mind it’s not a three-year plan. I want to get there this year.”
The Wizards were 42-40 last season and haven’t reached the conference finals since winning the title in 1979. But with training camp in Richmond two weeks away, Washington has shed the label of perennial loser and developed a roster capable of playoff damage.
“We showed last year that we could compete with anybody,” said Grunfeld, entering his third season as Washington’s. “We beat all the best teams last year and we feel we’re better this year. We’ve become more versatile and added toughness. This is the deepest and most versatile team we’ve had.”
Washington signed free agents Darius Songaila, a power forward who can slide to center in a small lineup, and DeShawn Stevenson, who can swing between shooting guard and small forward. Both are considered good defenders. Also, the return of a healthy Jarvis Hayes provides added perimeter depth.
One question is who will start at center: Etan Thomas or Brendan Haywood. Thomas would have ended last season as the starter if not for injuries.
As always, improving the defense — specifically not allowing easy layups-will be a major emphasis. If point guard Gilbert Arenas continues to improve in this area, it would help.
None of the Wizards’ key players are over 30 years old. Some, such as Arenas and Caron Butler, haven’t yet entered their prime. It’s why Grunfeld notices a difference among fans.
“The first few years here, fans would sometimes say, ‘What’s going to go wrong?’” Grunfeld said. “Now they’re starting to trust the team. … We’re positioned well for not only a one- or two-year run. We could be good for the foreseeable future.”
