Areas of Strength:
The Wizards were one of the youngest teams last season, which was both good and bad. The downside was the atmosphere, which resembled a frat house full of players who didn't take the game seriously enough. The good was the Wizards had young legs and at times were exciting to watch. The young players who are still around can only get better from here.

Needs Work:
The Wizards took a mild approach to playing defense, and that must change before they can think about the playoffs. It all begins with attitude, but the team also lacks a proven defensive stopper at any of the five positions.

Two Stats That Matter:
0.71: Amazingly, that's the three-point percentage of John Wall. And while the draft can't make him a better shooter, the Wizards can do themselves a favor and find a long-distance threat to provide balance in the backcourt.

6: The Wizards blocked that many shots last season but that was mainly due to JaVale McGee, now with the Nuggets. His replacement, Nene, isn't a shot-blocker so the Wizards could use someone who makes others think before attacking the rim.

The Way To Go:
The Wizards are in position to grab a big man or a shooting guard. Either would go a long way in solving a pair of glaring needs. Thomas Robinson, the power forward from Kansas, and Florida shooter Bradley Beal would be comfortable fits, or even Michael Kidd-Gilchrist if he isn't taken No. 2.

2011-12 Team Stats:
Offensive: 93.6 (22nd)
Defensive: 98.6 (20th)

Under Contract:
F: Rashard Lewis
F: Andray Blatche
F: Chris Singleton
F: Jan Vesely
F: Trevor Booker
F: Kevin Seraphin
G: John Wall
G: Jordan Crawford
C: Nene

Free Agents:
F: Brian Cook (unrestricted)
G: Roger Mason (unrestricted)
G: Maurice Evans (unrestricted)

Recent Draft History:
2011: Jan Vesely (6), Chris Singleton (18), Shelvin Mack (34)
2010: John Wall (1), Lazar Hayward (30(, Nemanja Bjelica (35)
2009: Jermaine Taylor (32)
2008: JaVale McGee (18), Bill Walker (47)
2007: Nick Young (16), Dominic McGuire (47)
2006: Oleksiy Pecherov (18), Vladimir Veremeenk (48)

-- Shaun Powell