Nothin' But Nets
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NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Eastern Conference

By Tj Porreca

Mar 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) advances the ball as Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) advances the ball as Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Washington Wizards

Can the Wizards take the next step this season? Washington has two guards they are building around, in John Wall and Bradley Beal.

An argument could be made that the Wizards belong a bit lower on this list, but they have potential. Like so many other teams, Washington must hope for good health. Bradley Beal has averaged just over 61 games per season in his four-year career. For the duo of Wall and Beal to take the next step, Beal needs to get close to playing his first full season in the NBA.

Scott Brooks, the former Oklahoma City Thunder head coach, takes over in the same capacity for the Wizards this season. Brooks’ Thunder teams were aided by the presence of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Obviously, Wall and Beal are not Durant and Westbrook, but Washington does

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have two solid guards which they’ve built the team around.

Outside of the guards, Kelly Oubre Jr. will look to make a bigger impact in his second season in the NBA. The Wizards also took a chance on former Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke. The Wizards are obviously set at the starting guard spots, but Burke should have a chance to make an impact off the bench.

The Wizards’ chances hinge largely on Wall and Beal. These two players are dynamic, and they’ll now be tasked with taking Washington to the next level.

Next: No. 6