Elite defense has been the Washington Wizards‘ identity ever since Randy Wittman took over for the late Flip Saunders in 2012. Wittman preached defense and the team listened. By playing two versatile big men, the Wizards struggled to score, but the opposition also had a tough time putting the ball through the hoop as well.
After being a top-10 defensive team for consecutive seasons, the Wizards are in the bottom half of the league in defensive efficiency this season.
The changes Washington made personnel-wise affected the team’s ability to get stops.