If accolades and popularity were the only markers for improvement, the Washington Wizards took major steps forward this offseason.
On paper, the team has filled several voids. Austin Rivers will provide much-needed relief for Bradley Beal, who played the fourth-most minutes in the league last season. Jeff Green is capable of playing both forward spots and can take the role previously played by Mike Scott. Dwight Howard, even at this stage of his career, is an intimidating big who can provide the Wizards with the athletic inside presence they’ve lacked for years.