The crux of immaturity, a Washington Wizards memoir

 “I know we’re a long way from there, but that’s my main goal before my career is done, to win one here.”

– John Wall, 2013

A lone banner hangs like a question mark from the rafters inside the Verizon Center, reading ‘NBA World Champions 1977-78.’ When the starters shimmy and shake their way through introductions, few look up. Even fewer glance at the silhouetted banner; these moments are brief and unnoticed.

Four decades ago, the Washington Bullets were amongst the league’s elite, the only team to play in the NBA Finals four times in the 1970s. Since renaming the team in 1997 – you can count the number of playoff series victories the Wizards have won on a single finger. Since 1981-82 you can count it on two. Washington’s fandom continuously attempts to swallow pejorative commentary for a team that chokes its way through fourth quarters. Ascribe it to immaturity, the hapless story of the Washington Wizards.

Randy Whittman, head coach since 2012, hasn’t been to the playoffs in seven years of coaching. Just five players on his roster have. Naivety in the waning minutes has been Washington’s conundrum for years, exacerbated yet again this season.

Washington has garnered three Top 6 draft picks since ‘09, each armed with a prowess for scoring. Their roster averages 25 years of age, amongst the lowest in the NBA. Equipped with the league’s most latent backcourt, Washington’s perimeter can turn each possession into a pick-and-roll nightmare. Lack-of-talent can no longer be deemed the overarching-scapegoat.

The challenge of immaturity however, continuously reaffirms itself as Washington’s crux. Just three years ago, teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton brought firearms into the Wizards’ locker room. Bradley Beal – who cannot even legally buy himself a drink yet – laces up his shoes nearby. The players may be gone, but the roots remain beneath him.

As Bleacher Report’s Bryant T. Jordan put it, “Washington’s problem isn’t lack of talent, it’s lack of professionalism.” Showcased again this year, Washington (4-8) has outscored their opponent just three times in the fourth quarter this season. Once was after Miami pulled their starters for the final nine minutes.

Closely contested games have eaten the Wizards this year, a trend proven by three decades of just falling short. 10 games have been decided by 11 points or less. Turnovers, blown assignments, and lack of willpower are just a handful of symptoms Whittman has attributed. Immaturity has raised its head in many forms, and while addressed behind a podium, remains stagnantly addressed on-court.

Washington faces a division including two teams that have yet to miss the playoffs in seven years (Miami/Atlanta). They’re marred by the heartache of final-minute-combustions, injury-riddled-stretches, and years of lukewarm efficiency. Mental fortitude continues to stand between Washington and their first playoff appearance in six years.

Only the Wizards can decide if they’re mature enough to win in crunch time. Washington’s youthfulness is the inexorable ghost, the haunt that keeps their lone banner and playoff hopes in shadows.