Inside The Wizards

Malcolm Brodgon Calls Out Wizards Defense

The Washington Wizards are the worst team on defense in the NBA.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 17, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) and Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Nov 17, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) and Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Through the first dozen games of the season, the Washington Wizards have had the league's worst defense. But there is more that meets the eye.

The Wizards have stretches in which they are a capable defensive team, but they have been unable to put it together over the course of a 48-minute span.

"It's embarrassing. I mean that's what it is. But at the same time, [Wizards coach Brian Keefe] also showed us for half of our games we're 13th, so we're middle of the pack. So we're solid defensively for half of our games, so we're capable. We're able to do it. It's just about being consistent. The great teams are consistent,” Wizards point guard Malcolm Brogdon said.

The Wizards are a young team learning how to play with one another, and that is usually a recipe for disaster when it comes to defense. For those just entering the NBA, the game is moving at lightning speed, which makes things difficult on the defensive end of the floor.

Washington has a lot of long, rangy players that can defend multiple positions and play strong individual defense. However, it's the team aspect that is hurting the Wizards.

With more reps and time, the Wizards will get better, and the sign that they are in the middle of the pack for half of the games is encouraging for the long run. Once more consistent performances start coming in, the Wizards might be able to pull off some victories and get back on the right side of their record.

The Wizards return to the court tonight hoping for a bit of redemption following their embarrassing showing against the Pistons as they travel to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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