Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

How far can John Wall carry the Washington Wizards?

Good times in the nation’s capital these days as the Wizards are actually in playoff contention. Can they make a legit run this spring, and what’s the long-range plan after this season. Michael Lee joins Paul Flannery on the Drive & Kick.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Happy to have one of my favorite beat guys, Mr. Michael Lee from the Washington Post on to discuss the Wizards, John Wall, and of course we share some JaVale McGee stories.

Here’s the rundown:

  • What's up with the Wizards' hot play of late? Michael says they're "big-game hunters" but focus is still an issue.
  • Is making the playoffs the end goal, or is there a larger goal in mind to satisfy the restless fanbase?
  • John Wall's development, and why we shouldn't be surprised it's "taken this long."
  • Nene's role in the locker room and on the court, and why calling out Wall and Bradley Beal early in the season was so important.
  • Bradley Beal looks like a star, but what's up with Otto Porter?
  • Is there a future for free agents to be Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza in DC?
  • We couldn't let Michael go without sharing some JaVale McGee stories. Like the time he got a triple double -- and a technical for hanging on the rim in a blowout loss.

More Basketball Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with SB Nation NBA podcast on BlogTalkRadio

Subscribe on iTunes | All “Drive & Kick” episodes

More from SB Nation NBA:

The Hook: The (dishonest) financial case to stay in school

NBA newsletter: Good morning, Joel Embiid is teasing the NBA

The Lakers’ bad gamble on Steve Nash | Cast Away?

J.J. Redick is Doc’s new weapon of choice

Ziller: The 30 biggest moments of David Stern’s career

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
NBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, rankedNBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, ranked
NBA

Let’s rank the 60 best players in the 2026 NBA Draft.

By Ricky O'Donnell
Men's College Basketball
Dallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coachDallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coach
Men's College Basketball

Let’s grade the Mavs’ decision to hire Dusty May away from Michigan.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Giannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offerGiannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offer
NBA

A Giannis trade is reportedly coming before the draft, and there’s two teams left.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
We didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebrationWe didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebration
NBA

On the Knicks parade, fatherhood, sports fandom, and the war on attention spans

By Abe Beame
NBA
NBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-roundNBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-round
NBA

Here’s an updated NBA mock draft ahead of Tuesday’s first round.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Zohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rallyZohran Mamdani gave a legendary sports speech at the Knicks rally