After failing to thrive in the improved Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards missed out on the postseason, concluding with a mediocre 41-41 record.
Sweeping the Toronto Raptors during last year's playoffs, then winning two games against the Atlanta Hawks in the conference semi-finals, made the future seem bright.
The plan was clear: Build on a successful 2014-15 campaign, continue to threaten in the playoffs and ultimately showcase enough to entice Kevin Durant this summer. That scenario seems even more far-fetched than it was a year ago, and it puts Washington in a pickle.