It will be another interesting off-season for the Wizards who have several key decisions to make.
First and foremost, they must figure out what to do with interim coach Randy Wittman.
After Flip Saunders was fired following a 2-15 start, Wittman guided the Wizards to an 18-31 record, including the 6-game winning streak to close out the season. Wizards guard and face of the franchise, John Wall, endorsed Wittman after the season, praising his no-nonsense approach. Who knows if Wall's words carry any weight but Wittman also has a year left on his contract, which could factor in Wizards managment retaining him. Ultimately, President Ernie Grunfeld will have the final call on Wittman's fate.
You would think a coaching decision would have to come soon, since the draft lottery is May 30, the NBA draft is June 28, and the Las Vegas Summer League starts in mid-July.
Speaking of the draft, that's the next big question for the Wizards. Who to select? That will become clearer on May 30 when the draft order is decided through the luck of the ping-pong balls.
The Wizards are guaranteed no worse than a top 5 pick since they went 20-46 last season. If the Wizards get 1, then it seems like a no-brainer in taking Kentucky center Anthony Davis, the consensus top pick. If the Wizards don't get the top spot, then it gets interesting because what do the Wiz do? Go after a shooting guard? A power forward? Again, the responsibility falls on Grunfeld here.
The Wizards also must figure out what to do with veteran players Rashard Lewis and Andray Blatche.
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Lewis, who missed over half of last season with a sore knee, is owed 22-million next season. The Wizards could amnesty the 6'10" forward, buy his contract out, or actually keep him. Lewis averaged only 8 points and 4 rebounds in just 28 games this past season.
Blatche wasn't able to participate in the final 20 games of the season because he wasn't in good enough shape. The Wizards could use the amnesty clause on him, try again to trade the 6'11" power forward, or keep him. Blatche averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds in only 26 games.
Decisions, decisions.