Wizards' Rui Hachimura Reportedly Out Indefinitely for Personal Reasons
Sep 25, 2021
Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8) shoots during the first half of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Wizards power forward Rui Hachimura is reportedly away from the team because of personal reasons.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, it is an excused absence, and Hachimura will miss an indefinite amount of time.
The Wizards are scheduled to start their preparations for the 2021-22 season when camp opens Tuesday.
Washington selected Hachimura with the No. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA draft after he enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Gonzaga.
The 23-year-old native of Japan averaged 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field in 48 games as a rookie.
As a result, Hachimura was selected to the All-Rookie second team.
He followed that up with another strong performance last season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor over 57 games, all of which were starts.
Hachimura represented Japan at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and he was particularly impressive in scoring 34 points in a loss to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Slovenia.
The expectation is that Hachimura will play a significant role this season for the Wizards, who made major changes during the offseason.
Washington traded point guard Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package that included Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell.
The Westbrook trade gave the Wizards significant depth, especially in the frontcourt.
Among the frontcourt players likely to play a major role in 2021-22 aside from Hachimura are Kuzma, Harrell, Thomas Bryant and Daniel Gafford. Washington also has long small forwards in Deni Avdija and Davis Bertans.
The Wizards are scheduled to start their regular season Oct. 20 at the Toronto Raptors, and if Hachimura isn't back by then, some of the aforementioned players will be asked to fill the void.
Wizards' Cassius Winston Talks Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, More in B/R AMA
Aug 30, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: Cassius Winston #5 of the Washington Wizards warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena on April 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Cassius Winston spent his rookie season with the Washington Wizards and the G League's Erie Bayhawks, making 22 NBA appearances and averaging 1.9 points per game. He recently signed another two-way contract with the team.
The former Michigan State star answered a number of questions during a B/R AMA on Monday, from what he learned while at MSU to what he gleaned from Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal during his rookie campaign.
@Not_JerryJones During your years at MSU, who motivated you to grow your game ?
There were a lot of good people there. Some of my teammates like Miles Bridges, Xavier Tillman. The GA (general assistant) at the time also helped me a lot in the gym. Chris Fowler also pushed me to take it to the next level.
@DekeGeek How were you feeling when you beat that Duke squad with Zion, Cam & RJ in the NCAA Tourney?
Beating that team felt amazing. The work we put in that year - everyone doubted us. To go out there and just be confident and make history, people are going to remember that game for a long time. Going to a Final 4, all that work you put in is something you’re going to remember.
@NotMitchTrubisky What was your initial reaction to seeing March Madness canceled when the pandemic first got serious?
I was shocked and disappointed. I wanted one more last go at it to make a bigger run, so to be able to not have that opportunity, I was shocked. It happened real fast out of nowhere.
@ClutchCity13 What was the most valuable thing you gained from your time at Michigan St?
The most valuable thing I gained from my time at Michigan State basketball-wise was to win and win at a high level, it's gotta be every day. You gotta be consistent with your passion, energy and work ethic. That's something Coach Izzo taught me. To be great consistently, you have to go 100% every time you step on that floor. Every time I get on the floor now, I'm ready to go all out.
@Saxophony How does college ball compare to the NBA? Pressure-wise, speed, environment, etc.
The NBA is the best basketball in the world. You see it every night. It's a whole different level. College felt the same way when you just get there. When you get to the NBA, even when you thought you figured it out, it's back to the drawing board.
@LittleJ20 What aspect of your game do you think translated the best to the pro level?
I think my playmaking and shooting are things that can always help you out. Those abilities will help our team win.
@Cutler420 What was your 'Welcome to the NBA' moment?
In training camp I had to guard Russ. That was before I even got out there. It was crazy. When I scored my first basket, it was also pretty eye-opening to just know I'm there.
@DocJelly47 What did you learn from Russ this past season?
His mindset is unmatched. He prepares every day the same way. He goes 110% every day. He's going to be him. That's one of the biggest things I've learned. He's gonna be confident in who he is no matter what. He isn't worried about what other people think about him.
@CamJam1314 What is it like to play with Bradley Beal?
Super talented, super down to earth. He's always there to give me advice, give me help. He's been a great vet and he's just talented. He works on his game every day. He does the right things to show why he's on another level.
@Brann24 What is your favorite part of D.C.?
It might be the food. They got good food here. I've been able to get around once some of the restrictions were lifted a bit.
@SilasA What advice would you give to younger hoopers?
One of the most important things is to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Once you put all the work in, don't doubt yourself in anything because you've seen what you're capable of.
@Dandincanlas Do you have any personal goals for the upcoming season?
I want to crack the rotation, contribute to my team and help them win. I think we can get things rolling in D.C. again.
Rapid Fire
@atoure1 Favorite retro Jordan and colorway?
Bred 3s - easy.
@Heathjehu The hardest player you've had to guard?
De'Aaron Fox
@OTD_Andre Who has the best gameday drip on the Wizards?
Russ got it. I'll give Russ it.
@Atoure1 Top 5 Detroit artists?
Baby Face Ray, Sterl Gotti, Baby Money, Baby Smoove,
@Shank_S What's worse getting your ankles broken or getting dunked on?
Getting your ankles broken. A lot of people get dunked on.
@TheEemeraldCity Who's your favorite Spartan of all time?
A tie between Kalin Lucas and Denzel Valentine
Wizards 2021-22 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
Aug 20, 2021
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts after Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Washington Wizards shook up their roster this offseason in a massive five-team trade.
Washington also picked up Gonzaga wing Corey Kispert with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
That group will join a Wizards team that snuck into the playoffs last year as the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. Bradley Beal, who was second in the NBA in scoring last season, will return in hopes of getting the team back into the playoffs.
A pair of lottery picks in Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija will look to continue their development, and other key contributors from last year (e.g. Davis Bertans, Daniel Gafford) are in the mix.
The Wizards will also be led by a new coach in Wes Unseld Jr., who takes over for Scottie Brooks.
He most recently spent six years patrolling the Denver Nuggets sidelines alongside head coach Mike Malone, earning an associated head coach title in 2020-21. Denver excelled under Unseld's tutelage, making the 2019-20 Western Conference Finals and 2020-21 West semifinals.
Unseld's father, Wes Unseld, is a franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who led the then-Washington Bullets to the 1977-1978 NBA title.
Now the younger Unseld will look to lead Washington back to the championship. Here's a look at their 2021-22 schedule, championship odds, top matchups and season forecast.
Naturally, the Wizards vs. Lakers matchups will be ones to watch given the player swaps between the two teams. Washington will see an old friend in Westbrook, who averaged a triple-double in his lone season in D.C. before departing for L.A. Meanwhile, three ex-Lakers will face their old friends, with Kuzma notably going up against the team that selected him in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft.
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry edged Beal for the scoring title last year, and it's certainly possible the two battle for that crown again. Beal should see more usage with Westbrook no longer on the team. Meanwhile, Curry dominated the NBA last year after missing nearly all of 2019-20 due to injury. Chances are we see him light it up again as he looks to lead the Warriors back to the playoffs.
Season Forecast
Losing Westbrook may be a tough blow for a team that doesn't have a clear second option after Beal. The Wizards' depth is certainly better thanks to their new acquisitions, but if Beal misses time, Washington is going to have trouble offensively.
On the plus side, Unseld was a great assistant coach who will likely be a successful head coach. Look for him to have success in time. However, the guess is that Washington has struggles off the bat in Year 1.
Record Prediction: 33-49 (No. 11 in Eastern Conference)
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Spencer Dinwiddie Discusses Playing PG for Wizards: 'I'm Not Gilbert, John or Russ'
Aug 10, 2021
Brooklyn Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie plays against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Spencer Dinwiddie said Monday he plans
to carve out his own path while following the likes of Gilbert
Arenas, John Wall and Russell Westbrook as the Washington Wizards'
point guard.
"I'm not Gilbert, John or Russ. Those
are all dudes with very interesting personalities," Dinwiddie told
reporters. "You've got some of the best players—obviously Russ,
one of the best players to ever play in terms of the triple-doubles.
You've got Gilbert, one of the best scorers of all time. You've got
John, who had an extended run when you could argue he was the best
point guard in the league."
Dinwiddie, who signed a three-year, $54
million contract with the Wizards as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets after Westbrook was traded to the
Los Angeles Lakers, joked he could stand out by becoming the "first
point guard in D.C. history to possibly lobby senators about
Bitcoin."
"But in all seriousness, I think just
my style of play is very different from them," he said. "Like I
said, I respect everything that they did, but what I want to be known
for is winning, and that's what I hope to bring to the franchise."
The 28-year-old Los Angeles native put
together a breakout year in Brooklyn in 2019-20, averaging 20.6
points, 6.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 threes across 64
appearances.
Dinwiddie was limited to three games
last season because of a partially torn ACL, however, and the team's
trade acquisition of James Harden didn't leave a path to extensive
playing time or offensive touches once healthy with Kyrie Irving and
Kevin Durant also in the backcourt and on the wing.
Instead, he'll head to Washington, where
he could team with shooting guard Bradley Beal, who ranked second in
the NBA in scoring last season at 31.3 points per game. Beal has been
the focus of trade rumors, which may change that outlook before the
season tips off.
"Obviously, I spoke to him, and
obviously he's his own man and his decisions are his own. So I can't
talk about his plans or what he's going to do," Dinwiddie said. "I
think right now we're both willing to kind of take a little bit of a
bet on each other and try to do something special. All we can kind of
focus on is the now, and if plans change then they change, but we're
here now and have a really special chance."
Washington also added Kentavious
Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Aaron Holiday in the
Westbrook blockbuster trade and selected Gonzaga's Corey Kispert with
the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 draft, so its rotation will
look quite a bit different by opening night.
A healthy Dinwiddie combined with those
other changes should help push the Wizards, who posted a 34-38 record
last season, over .500 during the 2021-22 campaign.
Elena Delle Donne: Russell Westbrook '1 of My Biggest Helps' During Back-Injury Rehab
Aug 9, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards arrives to the arena prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 14, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne credited Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook with helping her through her recovery from multiple back surgeries.
Delle Donne told reporters Monday the now-former Washington Wizards guard "was one of my biggest helps through this."
"He would show up and it would just bring me out of a funk and be like, 'I got this, like I can keep doing this,' he believes in me," she said.
Elena Delle Donne says Russell Westbrook was “one of her biggest helps” during her rehab from injury: “Russ would come in, way too early on a game day even, and he would come in and rebound for me”
Delle Donne has yet to play this season after having opted out of the WNBA's 2020 campaign at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, because of concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She acknowledged the recovery process from her back procedures has been difficult, calling it "something where there's a lot of gray."
"As many times as I want that black-and-white answer, it hasn't been that way," the two-time MVP told reporters. "There's been a lot of confusion. But I've had incredible people around me to help me on those tough days. And I realize we are so lucky when we get to play this game that we love, and to enjoy every second of it."
The Mystics have been without their biggest addition of the offseason as well after Alysha Clark suffered a Lisfranc injury. As a result, Washington is 8-10 and occupying the eighth and final playoff spot in the WNBA, a significant departure from winning 26 games and claiming a WNBA title in 2019.
Getting Delle Donne back after the All-Star break would be a nice shot in the arm for Washington, though it remains to be seen whether she can immediate replicate the standard she set during her second MVP campaign.
The 31-year-old was the first WNBA player to enter the 50/40/90 club, shooting 51.5 percent from the field, 43.0 percent from three-point range and 97.4 percent from the charity stripe. By having something close to that version of Delle Donne in the lineup, the Mystics could begin to peak at just the right time ahead of the playoffs.
Report: Spencer Dinwiddie's Wizards Contract Has $1 Bonus If Team Wins NBA Title
Aug 9, 2021
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 27: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 27, 2020 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Spencer Dinwiddie's three-year, $62 million contract with the Washington Wizards includes some fascinating bonuses.
Chief among them is a $1 bonus for winning the NBA title, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype and Bobby Marks of ESPN (10:20 mark). Yes, $1.
Sources: Spencer Dinwiddie’s three-year, $62 million contract with the Wizards has several bonuses each season, @hoopshype has learned.
$1.5 million if he plays 50+ games $571K if team makes ECF $400K if team makes NBA Finals $100K if team makes 2nd round $1 if team wins title
Marks added that the third year of the deal in the 2023-24 campaign—which is only partially guaranteed for $10 million—will guarantee for the full $18.8 million if Dinwiddie plays at least 50 games in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
It seems more likely that Dinwiddie will hit those thresholds than claim the extra dollar he has in his incentives for winning a title.
However, if he does earn that $1 bonus, he has let it be known he is looking to get paid in pennies:
Spencer Dinwiddie’s new contract with the Wizards includes a $1 bonus if they win the championship.
While the Wizards made major changes this offseason—in are Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, Aaron Holiday and rookie Corey Kispert, and most notably out is Russell Westbrook—they are far from a title contender. Frankly, making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference will be no small feat.
The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks remain major title contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics will be good yet again this year. The Miami Heat had a big offseason and will be a threat. The New York Knicks added Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier while retaining their core. The Chicago Bulls improved. The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors still have talent. The Charlotte Hornets will be an exciting watch with LaMelo Ball running the show.
The Wizards, who reached the postseason through the play-in tournament last year before being eliminated in five games by the Sixers in the first round, are hardly guaranteed to replicate that path. They've given Beal a better overall supporting cast than he had a year ago, but the Eastern Conference also improved around them. There will be a real battle for the play-in berths this year.
Regardless, Dinwiddie—who averaged 20.6 points and 6.8 assists in the 2019-20 season before missing all but three games last season with a torn ACL—was a nice addition for the Wizards. Even if he isn't getting that extra dollar.
Spencer Dinwiddie Thanks Nets After Wizards Sign-And-Trade: BKN 'Saved My Career'
Aug 5, 2021
Brooklyn Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie plays against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Outgoing guard Spencer Dinwiddie thanked the Brooklyn Nets and members of the organization as his five-year run with the team comes to an end.
Dinwiddie said general manager Sean Marks, co-governors Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai, and the organization as a whole "saved my career."
Spencer Dinwiddie posts his farewell to the Brooklyn Nets.
Says the organization saved his career and gives a special thanks to @adampharrington.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the 28-year-old is on his way to the Washington Wizards as part of a sign-and-trade deal.
A second-round pick in the 2014 draft, Dinwiddie had two nondescript seasons with the Detroit Pistons before heading to the Chicago Bulls in a trade for Cameron Bairstow. The Bulls waived him in October 2016 before he appeared in a regular-season game for the team.
That's why Dinwiddie's assertion that Brooklyn "saved" his career isn't too much of a stretch.
The 6'5" guard's rise coincided with the Nets' transition from an also-ran to a playoff contender and then to a franchise with championship aspirations after signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
A partially torn ACL limited Dinwiddie to three appearances in 2020-21. Before that, he put up 20.6 points and 6.8 assists per game in 2019-20 as Brooklyn won 35 games and qualified for the postseason for the second successive year.
Five seasons ago, Dinwiddie looked destined to bounce around the league—if he could maintain an NBA career at all. Now, he put himself in a position to earn what Marks called "generational money."
According to Wojnarowski, Dinwiddie cashed out with a three-year, $60 million contract from Washington.
Wizards' Updated Roster, Starting Lineup After Spencer Dinwiddie Sign-And-Trade
Aug 4, 2021
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 27: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 27, 2020 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards are reportedly signing Spencer Dinwiddie to a three-year, $62 million deal as part of a complicated, five-team sign-and-trade scenario, per multiple reports.
The Wizards are sending a second-round pick and a draft swap to Brooklyn to acquire Spencer Dinwiddie, pairing All-NBA star Bradley Beal and Dinwiddie in the Washington backcourt, sources said. https://t.co/M89YomQL8D
Washington-Brooklyn-San Antonio has been expanded to five teams, including the folding in of the Indiana-Lakers draft night trades with Wizards, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/lSGZMjNS7L
PF: Rui Hachimura / Kyle Kuzma / Davis Bertans / Isaiah Todd / Anthony Gill
C: Thomas Bryant / Montrezl Harrell / Daniel Gafford
It wouldn't be shocking if more trades followed. The Wizards have a logjam at both forward positions and center.
At power forward, for instance, Hachimura, Kuzma and Bertans are all worthy of playing time. At center, Bryant, Harrell and Gafford—who impressed last season in a backup role—will push for a spot in the rotation.
The Wizards won't be upset with their depth on the wing, where Beal will be complemented by Caldwell-Pope, Avdija and Kispert. And Dinwiddie and Holiday are a solid one-two punch at point guard.
The Wizards may not be title contenders, but they have a deep roster with enough talent to make a push for a postseason spot in an Eastern Conference that looks much stronger, and deeper, than a year ago.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics will still be strong. The Miami Heat bolstered their roster with Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker (and also re-signed Duncan Robinson). The Chicago Bulls added Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan. The New York Knicks brought back their core and added Kemba Walker. The Indiana Pacers have a nice collection of talent. The Toronto Raptors lost Lowry but will be back in Canada and still feature a strong roster. And don't count out the Charlotte Hornets and exciting young playmaker LaMelo Ball.
You can make a strong argument that 12 teams will have a shot to claim one of the six automatic playoff berths or one of the four spots in the play-in tournament. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers could make a jump if their young talent continues to grow. Really only the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons feel like squads that will definitely be out of the postseason conversation.
The point is that the Wizards aren't guaranteed to return to the playoffs with this roster. Far from it. They have solid players behind their star, Beal, but a number of teams that finished behind them have improved. Washington will have a fight on its hands.
Report: Spencer Dinwiddie Agrees to 3-Year, $62M Wizards Contract in Sign-And-Trade
Aug 4, 2021
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 25: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics during a game on December 25, 2020 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Free-agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie agreed to a three-year, $62 million deal with the Washington Wizards, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Washington will add Dinwiddie in a sign-and-trade with the Brooklyn Nets, with Brooklyn receiving a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 pick swap, per Charania and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN added:
The 2025 swap will be for the better of Golden State's second round pick – which Brooklyn controls – and Washington's second round pick, a league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/cyLJO4h7by
Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reported Brooklyn attempted to get Washington to include Deni Avdija—the No. 9 pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The Nets also weren't interested in receiving Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Montrezl Harrell in the deal.
Brooklyn, according to Winfield, was unwilling to include DeAndre Jordan because of the center's connection to the team's star-studded core of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
Per Wojnarowski, the Wizards will also send Chandler Hutchison and a 2022 second-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs in the deal, which will involve five teams:
Washington-Brooklyn-San Antonio has been expanded to five teams, including the folding in of the Indiana-Lakers draft night trades with Wizards, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/lSGZMjNS7L
The Wizards had already agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope, Harrell and the No. 22 pick, Isaiah Jackson. They also worked a draft-night trade with the Indiana Pacers to add Aaron Holiday and No. 31 pick Isaiah Todd for Jackson.
The Athletic's Fred Katz reported Dinwiddie's contract was ironed out in short order but that Washington had to work on the particulars of the trade:
The Wizards targeted Spencer Dinwiddie from the moment free agency began. They agreed quickly on a contract but spent essentially two straight days trying to work out the details of what became a five-team trade to acquire him.
The 28-year-old was limited to three games last season after suffering a torn right ACL. He was cleared for basketball-related activities in June, with Dr. Riley Williams telling Charania the 6'5" scorer "looks and feels and moves like the pre-injury Spencer Dinwiddie."
The Wizards are hoping the 2019-20 version of Dinwiddie returns. He averaged 20.6 points and 6.8 assists per game that season, playing a big role in the Nets' reaching the playoffs. His 31.8 percent career clip on three-pointers is concerning, but Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope shot career bests of 36.1 percent and 41.0 percent in 2020-21.
Washington had a void in its backcourt after the Westbrook trade. Adding another point guard was imperative if the team wants to contend in 2021-22.
The front office also has to do what it can to entice Bradley Beal to stick around. The three-time All-Star can opt out of his contract next summer, and the situation is such that fans are wondering about the implications of a solitary emoji:
Brooklyn Nets' Spencer Dinwiddie plays against the Boston Celtics during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Dinwiddie spent the past five seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, developing from a castoff second-round pick to a rock-solid NBA starting guard. He put up a career-best 20.6 points and 6.8 assists during the 2019-20 season, taking a starring role with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant out of the lineup.
A partially torn ACL cost Dinwiddie all but three games last season, but he opted to decline his $12.3 million option for 2021-22 and enter unrestricted free agency.
"If Brooklyn wants to use my Bird Rights and sign me, I'd be thankful to be back and be able to go and try to win, hopefully, a second championship," Dinwiddie told Forbes in May. "And if not, then as an unrestricted free agent you can kinda choose where you wanna go. It's an interesting situation to be in."
The Nets fell short of Dinwiddie's championship goal last season, and he did not have to wait long to garner interest on the open market.
It would be interesting to see how Dinwiddie fares in Washington. He clearly sees himself as a starting point guard, though evidence suggests he's better as an elite backup than a lead guard role.
The opportunity to start in Brooklyn dried up once the Nets acquired James Harden to pair with Irving and Durant, so Dinwiddie's return never made much sense.
