This week...

• Kuzma trade scenario rankings by GIFFs (Number 1 is our favorite)

• Rui's Last Stand: Zaz's take of the week

• Two awesome podcasts worth checking out on the latest trade rumors and midseason player grades (links included to the episodes we recommend)

• If you know any high school seniors in the DMV, the Wizards are giving $6K away in prizes for an essay contest on the "Grandfather of Black Basketball" (Deadline Feb. 1st)

Weekly Recap

Final scores

Wizards 118 * Warriors 127 (Monday/MLK Day):

Tough loss, especially given the fact that the Wizards were really in it for most of the game. KP came out strong in the first quarter scoring 15 points but unfortunately Curry had 17 in that same quarter. KP kept the pressure on in Q2 with 10 points but, again, unfortunately Jordan Poole had 23 in that same quarter which essentially was the pattern for the rest of the game.

Despite the Wizards being up at the end of the 3rd quarter, Curry and Draymond Green dominated the 4th with 23 points giving the Warriors the win. Good team effort all around, everyone ate but Wiz still had 14 TOs.

Wizards 116 * Knicks 105 (Wednesday):

This was one of those games where you say "This team works!". With Beal back in the line up, our big 3 combined for 67 points and 16 assists. The team hit 38% of their 3s(16/42) but turnovers were still an issue with 13. Our guys still don't have an answer for Brunson who led the Knicks with 32.

Overall, a commanding/satisfying win. I honestly don't remember the last time I saw the Wizards dribble out the clock at the end of the game.

Wizards 138 *Magic 118 (Saturday): 

Well, it happened again. Wizards dribbled out the clock for a second time this week (we're getting spoiled). Rui dominated offensively, tying a career high of 30 points (59 FG%) while Kumza had 25 and 10 rebounds.

A scary moment came in the 3rd quarter when KP rolled his ankle on a defensive play, hobbled off the court and did not return. Coach Unseld after the game downplayed the injury saying "I don't think it's too bad".

Highlight of the game was this Gafford block on Mo Wagner. Truly a thing of beauty...

Kuzma trade scenario rankings...

Yes, yes, yes...we know, it's all anybody has been talking about this week. But...we thought it might be fun to round up 10 Kuzma trade scenarios being put out there by our favorite (and least favorite) sports writers and rank them (with GIFs) from worst to....well, worth considering?

10. Lakers: Patrick Beverly + 1 or 2 protected 2027 draft picks.

Source: The Volume's Jason Timpf on Game Theory Podcast.

9. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes + 2028 pick and/or Davion Mitchell.

Erin Pincus from Bleacher Report.

8. Brooklyn Nets: Seth Curry, Cam Thomas + 2022 first-round pick.

Source: Colum Dell from Yard Barker

7. Dallas Mavericks: Dorian Finney-Smith + Josh Green

Source: Vincent Frank from SportsNaut

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: D'Angelo Russell

Source: Gibson Lowenberg from Wiz of Awes

5. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons

Source: Gibson Lowenberg from Wiz of Awes

4. Phoenix Suns: Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder + 1st-round pick

Source: Vincent Frank from SportsNaut

3. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman, Moses Moody + future 1st-round pick

Source: Vincent Frank from SportsNaut

2. Atlanta Hawks: John Collins + Jalen Johnson

Source: Gibson Lowenberg + Vincent Frank and others.

1. Los Angeles Clippers: John Wall, Robert Covington and/or 2027 1st Round draft pick.

Source: Inspired by Gibson Lowenberg's article here.

Rui's last stand: Zaz's take of the week

Last week I wrote about my displeasure with Rui Hachimura’s lack of minutes. But as most other things with Wizard’s management, it goes from bad to worse. Now Rui’s dominating the headlines with trade talks. The energy at the game in Capital One Arena last night (Saturday) was palpable when Rui entered the game.

Rui missed his first few shots from the wing. Then on one possession, the ball swings, swings again, goes to Rui, and he drills a three. A few possessions later, the same thing. Before you knew it, Rui was on his way to another 30-point game and victory for the team. What a luxury to have someone come off the bench who can get you 30 points!

However, as much as it saddens me, we might be past the point of no return. Here's why:

• We have not given him the minutes he’s deserved.

• We (reportedly) offered him to the Suns for a much older Jae Crowder.

• Rui has had to endure disrespect from fans online (further evaluation into that shows that many of those fans have a bias towards their favorite players who compete with Rui for minutes).

It even sounds like Rui might have been the one who asked for a trade, in which case I wouldn’t blame him. I don’t know what we can get in return but there’s definitely interest. If someone says Jae Crowder or a first rounder, I might vomit.

One fellow Wizard’s fan (Mike btw) said that Collin Sexton might be option. That was one of the few that I think would be a good deal for the Wizards.

Last night, Rui got close to 30 minutes of playing time, much more than his season average of 24.3 and showed us what he can do. Unfortunately, I suspect that was deliberately done to up his trade value rather than what should have been done much earlier in the season, and was supposed to be in the interest of the team’s success.

Upcoming Schedule for next week:

• Tuesday: Wizards vs Mavericks, January 24th @ 8:30pm (Wizards beat the Mavs in their last match up. Lets hope KP is healthy for this Dallas return)

• Wednesday: Wizards vs Rockets, January 25th @8pm (Rockets are the worst team in the league with 10 wins so Wiz win this one)

• Saturday: Wizards vs Pelicans, January 28th @ 8pm (Pelicans beat the Wizards earlier this month in DC with without Zion and Ingram. Let's hope the Wiz take advantage this time since both Pelican stars are still out.)

Podcasts worth checking out....

Two podcasts this week stood out to me that are worth a listen if you have the time:

1. Troy Halliburton had some good insights into the moves Tommy Shepard is considering prior to the trade deadline. He joined the Bleav in Wizards podcast and claimed a FIRE SALE may be looming.

2. Brandon Scott from Locked On Wizards podcast explained why he gave the following mid-season grades to the Wizards starting 5:

• Monte Morris: B

• Daniel Gafford: B

• Bradley Beal: C

• Kristaps Porzingas: B+

• Kyle Kuzma: A

Essay contest on Dr. E.B. Henderson giving out $6k in prizes

Open to all DMV area high school seniors, the Wizards and the NBA are holding an essay contest to celebrate the legacy of Dr. E.B. Henderson, the Grandfather of Black Basketball. Prize package details below: Dr. E. FEB. Henderson

Winners will receive two (2) complimentary tickets to a select Wizards home game, recognition during a Washington Wizards home game, recognition on the Washington Wizards digital and social media channel plus....

*Grand prize receives $3,000

*Second place receives $2,000

*Third place receives $1,000 

Here is the link if you want to pass to anybody that might be interested:

https://www.nba.com/wizards/essaycontest

Essay submission deadline is Feb. 1st, 2023.

If you are enjoying the Wizards Newswire, please share with other Wizards fans you know by sending them the link below to sign up:

Have a great week!