NBA Team Most Likely to Rise in the East: Washington Wizards

   In this year's season, many people have already crowned the Eastern conference to either the Chicago Bulls or the Cleveland Cavaliers. The return of LeBron obviously gives the Cavs a very good chance to win the East. In addition, all-stars Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving make the Cavs extremely tough on paper.  As such , the return of Derrick Rose will make a strong Bulls  team even stronger. The Bulls have even added former Lakers forward Pau Gasol to add offense to the team. So with these two teams predicted to win the East, are there any dark horses that could come from nowhere and take the east? Yes, there are. The team that we predict can do so? The Washington Wizards.

Young Studs: 

    The Wizards probably have the next generation of a great backcourt on their team. Point guard John Wall and shooting guard Bradley Beal are two very good guards that compliment each other very well. Wall is very good at penetrating and getting to the rim. Wall is best when he has the ball in his hands because it allows him to create plays.  Beal is very good at moving around WITHOUT the ball. Beal is also 40% from the three point line. Together, they have averaged close to 40 points per game. The most exciting part about this tandem is that neither player is even close to their peak. Wall is only 24, while Beal is only 21.

John Well (left) and Bradley Beal (right) via Internet

Solid Frontcourt and Depth:
  

   This offseason, the Wizards added Paul Pierce after the departure of Trevor Ariza. Pierce is entering his 17th season, and is on the decline. However, he was nicknamed "The Truth" for a reason. Piece will give the Wizards 12-15 points per game a night. The rest of the frontcourt consist of  former all-star Nene and center Marcin Gortat. Gortat averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds per game last season. Nene is off to a great start this season, averaging 17 points and 5 rebounds per game. As the season continues to proceed, look for this group to develop some great continuity with each other. The trio of players described are all selfless and willing to move the ball around. In addition, all are capable of having a 30 point night at any given time.

    While the Wizards don't exactly have the strongest bench in the NBA, they do have a few solid pieces. Guards such as Andre Miller and Martel Webster do have the ability to make an impact on a game. Forward DeJuan Blair was a nice addition as well. He will fit very well with Nene/Gortat. His energy level will help alot off of the bench. Also, look for young forward Otto Porter to only improve and get better.

Key to Success: Chemistry & Health

 
    Although the subtitle sounds like a college course, this is exactly what the Washington Wizards need in order to compete with the beast of the east. Chemistry is already pretty good, since they have 4 returning starters from last year. With time , Paul Pierce will find his role on the team, and make his full impact that way.
 
    The most important thing for them and any other team is staying healthy. As of now, they are missing shooting guard Bradley Beal due to a fracture on his wrist. As long as injuries do not carry over into the playoffs for the Wizards, look for them to be very competitive.