Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, August 8, 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
The NBA’s 7 worst offseason moves of 2026, rankedThe NBA’s 7 worst offseason moves of 2026, ranked
NBA
Kevin Durant’s criticism of Klay and Draymond feels like another burner account gone badKevin Durant’s criticism of Klay and Draymond feels like another burner account gone bad
NBA

Kevin Durant probably forgot he wasn’t on his burner account when ripping his former Warriors teammates.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
NBA free agent predictions for biggest names still availableNBA free agent predictions for biggest names still available
NBA

Let’s predict the landing spots for the NBA’s top remaining free agents.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year
NBA

These NBA teams are going to be a lot better in the upcoming season than they were last year.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Why LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen BrownWhy LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen Brown
NBA

LeBron James *really* wanted to play with Jaylen Brown

By Ricky O'Donnell