Brandon Scott here, the host of the daily Locked On Wizards podcast, with your daily Locked On Wizards newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Wizards and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Is Corey Kispert back? Justin Champagnie and Jared Butler are long-term pieces.
Jan 24, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) during the game between Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports | Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
Is Corey Kispert back? Maybe. After signing his contract extension (which kicks in next season), the expectations became higher. Has he lived up to it so far? Yes and no. We know what Kispert provides. High basketball IQ, sharpshooting, movement without the ball, and the ability to attack the basket. On the other hand, he can struggle from defense, but he has improved in that area. The overall problem is consistency. Some nights, he’s a menace on the perimeter. Then some nights, it seems his rhythm is off and he just can’t get going. The Wizards need Kispert to be a consistent scoring punch off of the second unit, and be an example to rookie sharpshooter Kyshawn George. Will Corey Kispert figure it out? He’s a player who got better every year so he’s earned a chance to figure it out and I think he will.
The Wizards are in the phase of their rebuild where they’re trying to figure out who’s part of the future. We often talk about the stars and starters, but every championship team succeeds due to role players who fit what they’re trying to do. Jared Butler, Justin Champagnie, and Marvin Bagley fit the timeline in Washington and fit what they’re trying to do. All three can stretch the floor, defend, and find ways to contribute. Jared Butler and Justin Champagnie are testaments to how the Capital City Go-Go is developing players to contribute at the highest level. Marvin Bagley is a testament to how changes in scenery can be effective. He also highlights how important it is to have a developmental Head Coach at the helm. Brian Keefe has gotten the best out of not only Bagley, Bilal is another player who has prospered very early and we haven’t even brought up Sarr yet. This rebuild does not have to take forever and if you keep guys like Butler, Champagnie, and Bagley around, you’re headed in the right direction.
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Jared Butler’s recent performance was nothing short of a masterpiece, showcasing his efficiency and skill in just 20 minutes of gameplay. This analysis delves into his impactful stats and their significance for the Washington Wizards. (Bullets Forever)
Watch Wizards fans should keep an eye on these three college stars as potential top picks in the upcoming NBA draft, offering promising talent that could significantly impact the team’s future. (Wiz of Awes)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
