N.B.A. Season Restart Preview: In the East, Where Do the Bucks Stop?

It was undoubtedly a disappointing year for the Magic, who didn’t show growth from the previous year. Aaron Gordon averaged only 14.4 points a game, his lowest since 2016-17, his first full year as a starter. Markelle Fultz was a bright spot, playing through most of the season and averaging 12.1 points a game, but he is still performing far below his draft expectations as the No. 1 pick in 2017. Jonathan Isaac was solid on defense but had been out since New Year’s Day with a left knee injury until he returned for a scrimmage Monday. At least the Magic didn’t have to travel far to go to the bubble.

Questions: Can they put a scare into the Milwaukee B — ha, ha, ha, ha. Just kidding.

9. Washington Wizards (24-40)

Bradley Beal, the team’s best player, decided not to go to the bubble, as did Davis Bertans, the sharpshooter who was having a career year, almost averaging more points a game (15.4) than he did his previous three years combined. Bertans is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is set to sign a significant contract. John Wall, who did not play this season because of a torn Achilles’ tendon, also will not be available. Rui Hachimura was in the midst of a promising rookie season though, so it’ll be nice to see him get some run on campus.

Like the Nets, the restart is mostly cosmetic for the Wizards. But if the ninth seed finishes within four games of the eighth seed, this forces a play-in series. So the Wizards do have an outside shot of making the playoffs. They are 5.5 games back right now.

Questions: Is the Wall and Beal partnership in the best interests of the franchise after this season?

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/sports/basketball/nba-bubble-restart-eastern-bucks.html