Your favorite Wizard this year

[penbeast0]

Is it the classy Washington lifer and team star Bradley Beal? The team's minutes leader Kyle Kuzma? The smart PG Spencer Dinwiddie? The high energy Montrezl Harrell? Deni Avdija? Isaac Todd? Whose your favorite so far this year?

[montestewart]

So far this year, it's neck and neck between Harrell and Avdija, with Avdija getting a slight edge because he is more of a surprise of late. Beal will probably have a run at some point and pull away from the pack, but it's nice to feel like there are so many valid options to root for.

[nate33]

"Favorite" is such a subjective word.

I'd say Harrell is clearly the MVP so far, but he feels more like a rental to me rather than a Wizard for the long term. With that in the back of my mind, I temper my enthusiasm about him. I'm much more excited when a young part of our future plays well and shows promise. So with that in mind, I'd say it's a toss up between Avdija and Gafford.

[Ruzious]

Trez. Even though he's not a good defender, and defending is what's separating this team from past Wiz teams. I love the brute force he uses on offense - despite being shorter than everyone he plays against. And he fights for everything.

[tontoz]

Harrell has been the guy bringing it consistently and seems to be a team leader already. As an emotional guy he seems pretty in control when things don't go his way, and at times tries to calm down teammates who are pissed.

[penbeast0]

Can't believe I'd forgotten Gafford. Yes, Trez is the most fun to watch and my favorite so far too but Gafford is on my top list too, more than Avdija (maybe because I grew up a post player). Beal I just have to love because he stuck with us through all the bad times. I hope like hell we resign Harrell, I'd love to see him playing for the team for the next 5 years. That energy is contagious.

[Dolevi]

It's hard to tell and choose so we have good troubles

[payitforward]

As nate points out, "favorite" is subjective -- so it can mean just about anything -- & can change pretty easily (& frequently).

It's hard not to really really like Montrezl Harrell -- a great combination of productivity, leadership, attitude, you name it.

Watching post-game interviews with Gafford, OTOH, make him very appealing too. He is so sincere & motivated. Gives himself such a hard time. It's easy to like that young man.

Beal's not producing as expected on offense yet, but it's terrific to see how hard he works on defense. A definite candidate for favorite.

Over-achievers make outstanding favorites as well: enter Raul Neto.

Nor does one often run into urbane, young, man-of-the-world entrepreneur types like Spencer Dinwiddie on the round ball court.

Then there's Deni, certainly the most-improved Wizard so far. He doesn't exactly exude charisma, of course. But, production counts.

Minute-for-minute the overwhelmingly most productive Washington Wizard this season is Isaiah Todd. Then again, it has to require more than 5 minutes of PT to qualify for "favorite," I'd say.

His first & second years w/ the team, Thomas Bryant was my favorite Wizard. But, he hasn't played at all, so... not this year.

Kuzma is too inconsistent to contend for "favorite," & KCP doesn't project enough personality.

Kispert would have to starting hitting his 3-ball to be in the running. & Rui is obviously out of the running -- maybe when he returns...?

Holiday? Bertans? Gill? Get serious....

I think Wes Unseld, Jr. is my favorite Wizard this year! An easy choice, really.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Trez and it’s not even close.

Energy, leadership, toughness, a practically unstoppable offensive game AND he hits his free throws.

Been a fan of Lez Boulez for almost 50 years and he’s right up there with Gil, E, Wes, Kevin Porter, Bernard.

[tontoz]

Trez and it’s not even close.

Energy, leadership, toughness, a practically unstoppable offensive game AND he hits his free throws.

Been a fan of Lez Boulez for almost 50 years and he’s right up there with Gil, E, Wes, Kevin Porter, Bernard.

Seriously what's up with that? He is shooting 82% from the line. He's never even been close to that.

[NatP4]

Good question. Probably Avdija or Gafford. Neto is always very enjoyable to watch. Love Dinwiddie’s competitiveness. Kispert is just insanely good looking and a solid smart player.

Love watching great defense and Avdija has been just about as good as it gets.

[Wizardspride]

Kyle Kuzma.

Its nice having a PF who can hit the three.

[J-Ves]

Deni. Feels good to have a draft pick with a high ceiling(by my reckoning). As a Wizard fan of nearly 20 years I don't think we've had too many of those outside of picks made in the top 3.

[Endless Loop]

Beal.

Last year's second leading scorer in the whole league, this year retooling his game to emphasize defense, adjust to changes in officiating, and share the load with a better supporting cast. Career loyal Wizard. Has never complained, stuck with the team during the bad years, always positive about teammates. Class act.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

This one is tough. Harrell has been performing the best. He and Gafford are going to make Thomas Bryant have a hard time earning any minutes.

Beal has played passionate basketball. He is inspired. He is loyal. His threes aren't dropping and he is not getting calls but dude keeps bringing it.

I love Kuzma's effort on the boards and his sacrifice. Cut his hair. Not attention seeking. Puts in a hard hat and plays like a guy from Flint. (I attended college there briefly. My freshman roommate is from Flint)

My favorite player: Dinwiddie. He is "So Not John Wall or Russell Westbrook " yet he's better than average at PG.

I think Spencer is smart and a winner but low maintenance. He's effective without being high usage.

That last game winner won't be the only one. Because of Beal being a threat Spencer might become the closer a lot of times.

Bradley is starting to trust and share with Spencer.

Sent from my SM-A526U using RealGM mobile app

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

One key is Spencer might be "better" than Westbrook without being anywhere near as physically talented as even an aging Westbrook.

More effective.

[doclinkin]

"Favorite" is such a subjective word.

I'd say Harrell is clearly the MVP so far, but he feels more like a rental to me rather than a Wizard for the long term. With that in the back of my mind, I temper my enthusiasm about him. I'm much more excited when a young part of our future plays well and shows promise.

I dunno. Trez is producing for a team that wants him, with a coach who values him, in a system that makes his energy an asset on defense. He gets along well with his teammates and has embraced the role of leader. If we don't keep him it is simply because we can't afford him and he commands a significant contract that we can't match. But he has embraced the District and the fans love him. He likes playing this close to home. Maybe the Hornets make an offer, they need productive Bigs, and he'd love playing with MeloBall. But still, I get the feeling if this team wins he will want to stick around. Beal has shown the value of loyalty to the franchise and I fully expect Ted would scribble a check to keep a guy who earns his paycheck every night.

I'm liking all the guys. But so far for me it is:
Trez -- has woken up the local fanbase
KCP -- a pro's pro. Win oriented. Leader by example. Uncelebrated. Remarkable defender involved in every significant play.
Neto -- how many bail out shots in traffic has he hit. He is one of our top scorers in the paint. Mouse in the house is mighty.
Deni -- His footwork and heads-up play mean the coaches have to play him despite his despite offensive struggles.

In that order. As far as players. But really at this point if I had to pick #'s 1 & 2 favorite Wizards it would be:

1. Coach Wes Jr.
2. Tommy Sheppard.

Both of whom give me the best hope for the Wiz' future.

[Doug_Blew]

Gafford was my favorite player coming into the season, but Harrell is the most fun to watch right now. I love his ferociousness, his high 5s with fans and the toughness he brings to the team.

Kuzma is the biggest surprise for me. I thought i'd hate him. But i think he brings a lot to this team. His length creates problems for the opponents.

[JWizmentality]

Trez

[nate33]

"Favorite" is such a subjective word.

I'd say Harrell is clearly the MVP so far, but he feels more like a rental to me rather than a Wizard for the long term. With that in the back of my mind, I temper my enthusiasm about him. I'm much more excited when a young part of our future plays well and shows promise.

I dunno. Trez is producing for a team that wants him, with a coach who values him, in a system that makes his energy an asset on defense. He gets along well with his teammates and has embraced the role of leader. If we don't keep him it is simply because we can't afford him and he commands a significant contract that we can't match. But he has embraced the District and the fans love him. He likes playing this close to home. Maybe the Hornets make an offer, they need productive Bigs, and he'd love playing with MeloBall. But still, I get the feeling if this team wins he will want to stick around. Beal has shown the value of loyalty to the franchise and I fully expect Ted would scribble a check to keep a guy who earns his paycheck every night.

Harrell was acquired as part of salary filler in the Westbrook trade, so his exceptional production is like "found money". He is all upside and no downside.

That calculation changes this summer when we have to decide whether to commit a fairly substantial contract to retain him. If Harrell is underwhelming in the playoffs again, how much are you willing to pay for his regular season production going forward - particularly if it means we will be unable to afford Bryant?

Trez on a 1-year $9.7M deal is great. But what about 3 years $50M?