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The Washington Wizards have a roster full of youth, which in many ways, is exciting. The four players Washington will rely heavily on in Orlando are 22 years old and under. The Wizards are hoping Rui Hachimura(22), Thomas Bryant(22), Troy Brown Jr.(20), and Isaac Bonga(20) will all get better during their time Orlando.
That excitement was on full display on Saturday night in the team’s second scrimmage game against the Clippers. Washington was led by Bonga, who was very active. The German native scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 28 minutes, but it was not enough as the Clippers defeated Washington 105-100.
Everybody has been talking about how much Bonga has improved, and you saw that improvement on Saturday. The second-year player, who was acquired in the offseason from the Lakers, is one of those guys that can impact the game without plays being called for him.
“He impacts the game because of his enthusiasm, his effort, just his spirit,” Brooks said about Bonga after the game. “Everybody wants to play with him because he plays so hard. He plays to makes the right plays. He’s not thirsty out there; he wants to make plays for his teammates. That’s why he is loved by everyone. When we first got him, Tommy Sheppard(Wizards’ GM) told me, ‘You’re going to love this kid. He’s going to grow on you the first day you have him,’ and he has.
“I just love his way about him. He has just a great disposition. That’s why he does so well without any plays called for him because he just plays the right way, and it’s contagious. He’s going to keep getting better. He’s 20 years old. His effort, his energy, his work ethic is outstanding.”
Hachimura, who had a double-double(15 points, 10 rebounds) on Saturday night, was impressed by Bonga’s performance against the Clippers.
“He(Bonga) did a great job,” Hachimura said. “He does a lot of little things for the team and stuff. I want him to play like that in the next game, too. We gotta a lot of young, good players, so it’s going to be fun.”
What happens in Orlando is really not about wins or losses for Washington. If they find a way to make the playoffs, that’s great. If they miss the playoffs, that’s great as well because it’s about growing for the future. There will be some growing pains, but if those four players(Hachimura, Bonga, Bryant, and Brown) get better, the future could be very bright in Washington.
Notes:
Troy Brown Jr. did not play against the Clippers after spraining his thumb at practice on Friday. According to Scott Brooks, the injury is not considered serious.
Washington will play their final scrimmage on Monday against the Lakers.