Editing Washington Wizards (section)

===2010–2019: The John Wall era===
====2010–2013: The beginning and the arrival of John Wall====
Leonsis completed his takeover of the Wizards and Verizon Center in June through his newly-formed holding company, [[Monumental Sports & Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Heath|first=Thomas|title=Leonsis holdings under new Monumental Sports include Wizards, Verizon Center|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/10/AR2010061002827.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030131243/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/10/AR2010061002827.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had previously purchased the [[Washington Capitals]] and [[Washington Mystics|Mystics]] from the Pollin family.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ted Leonsis-Led Group Completes Acquisition of Washington Wizards|url=http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=WashingtonWizards.com|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030131501/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/leonsis_acquisition_100610.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Leonsis took a fan-centric approach to running the franchise, by listening and responding to the concerns of Wizards supporters through his email and personal website.<ref name="Lee2010">{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/ted-leonsis-hints-at-a-possibl.html|title=Ted Leonsis says name change to Bullets is 'under consideration'|last=Lee|first=Michael|date=October 6, 2010|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 27, 2010|archive-date=January 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105193159/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/10/ted-leonsis-hints-at-a-possibl.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He wrote a manifesto of 101 changes he hoped to implement during his ownership, including changing the team's colors back to the red, white and blue of the Bullets era, and possibly changing the team nickname back to "Bullets" as well.<ref name="Lee2010" /> Team president [[Ernie Grunfeld]] later confirmed that the franchise's colors would revert to red, white and blue from the 2011–12 season onwards. The team also adopted new uniforms that were very similar to the ones they wore from 1974 to 1987. Although the Wizards did not change their name to the Bullets again, they adopted a variation of the 1969–1987 Bullets logo with "wizards" spelled in all lowercase letters like the "bullets" logo was printed.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/pick-roll/grunfeld-says-wizards-changing-colors-2011-12| work=[[Washington Examiner]]| title=Grunfeld says Wizards changing colors in 2011–12| date=September 23, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Despite having only the fifth-best odds of obtaining the No. 1 pick (10.3%), the Wizards won the [[2010 NBA draft]] lottery and selected All-American Kentucky point guard [[John Wall]] with the first overall pick.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-05-18-nba-draft-lottery_N.htm|title=Wizards pull upset in NBA draft lottery, grab No. 1 overall pick|work=USA Today|date=May 19, 2010|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202213440/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-05-18-nba-draft-lottery_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the off-season, the team acquired the [[Chicago Bulls]]' all-time leader in three-point field goals, [[Kirk Hinrich]] and the draft rights to forward [[Kevin Seraphin]] in exchange for the draft rights to [[Vladimir Veremeenko]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_traded_100708.html|title=Bulls trade Hinrich to Washington|work=Chicago Bulls|publisher=NBA|date=July 7, 2010|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_traded_100708.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:John Wall (12274911544).jpg|thumb|Hyper-athletic point guard [[John Wall]] led the Wizards to 4 playoff appearances during the 2010s]]
In a blockbuster trade, the Wizards sent Gilbert Arenas to the [[2011–12 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]] in return for [[Rashard Lewis]] on December 18.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861|title=Magic get Gilbert Arenas in banner day|work=ESPN|date=December 19, 2010|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051556/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=5932861|url-status=live}}</ref> Kirk Hinrich and [[Hilton Armstrong]] were traded to the Atlanta Hawks for [[Jordan Crawford]], [[Maurice Evans (basketball)|Maurice Evans]], [[Mike Bibby]], and a 2011 first-round pick that became [[Chris Singleton (basketball, born 1989)|Chris Singleton]], although Mike Bibby bought out his contract after playing two games and eventually signed with the [[2011–12 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6152388|title=Hawks add Kirk Hinrich, deal Mike Bibby|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Atlanta|date=February 24, 2011|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6152388|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards finished with a {{Win-loss record|w=30|l=52}} record, once again occupying the bottom of the Southeast Division.

After a poor start to the [[2011–12 Washington Wizards season|2011–12 season]], head coach [[Flip Saunders]] was fired and replaced by assistant [[Randy Wittman]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/NBA-Randy-Wittman-to-return-as-Washington-Wizards-coach/articleshow/13825546.cms|title=Randy Wittman|access-date=June 28, 2012|work=The Times Of India|archive-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606015423/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/NBA-Randy-Wittman-to-return-as-Washington-Wizards-coach/articleshow/13825546.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 15, the Wizards were involved in a three-way trade that sent [[JaVale McGee]] and [[Ronny Turiaf]] to the Nuggets and [[Nick Young (basketball)|Nick Young]] to the Clippers in exchange for [[Nenê]] and [[Brian Cook (basketball)|Brian Cook]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards_acquire_nene_031512.html|title=WIZARDS ACQUIRE NENE FROM DENVER|location=Washington|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051602/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards_acquire_nene_031512.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After ending the season on a six-game win streak, the Wizards finished with a record of {{Win-loss record|w=20|l=46}} (season was shortened due to the [[2011 NBA Lockout]]) and the second-worst record in the NBA, comfortably ahead of the {{Win-loss record|w=7|l=59}} [[2011–12 Charlotte Bobcats season|Charlotte Bobcats]] who set an NBA record for the lowest win percentage in a season with .106. On June 20, the Wizards sent Lewis and a pick to the Hornets for [[Emeka Okafor]] and [[Trevor Ariza]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Wizards trade Rashard Lewis, No. 46 draft pick to New Orleans for Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/2012/06/20/gJQAN5EjqV_blog.html|last=Lee|first=Michael|date=June 20, 2012|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527022040/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/post/2012/06/20/gJQAN5EjqV_blog.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2012-2013: The arrival of Bradley Beal====

In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Wizards selected [[Bradley Beal]] and [[Tomáš Satoranský]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-beal-third-pick-2012-nba-draft-0|title=Wizards Select Beal With Third Pick In 2012 NBA Draft|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|location=Washington|date=June 29, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/wizards/wizards-select-beal-third-pick-2012-nba-draft-0|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 17, 2012, the Wizards exercised the amnesty provision from the 2011 CBA to release [[Andray Blatche]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Washington Wizards use amnesty clause on troubled forward Andray Blatche|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8174865/washington-wizards-use-amnesty-clause-troubled-forward-andray-blatche|publisher=ESPN|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=November 10, 2015|archive-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123194947/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8174865/washington-wizards-use-amnesty-clause-troubled-forward-andray-blatche|url-status=live}}</ref> They also signed [[A. J. Price]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-sign-aj-price|title=Wizards Sign A.J. Price|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=July 24, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://www.nba.com/wizards/news/wizards-sign-aj-price|url-status=live}}</ref>
Then, on August 29, 2012, Martell Webster was signed to the Wizards for one year on a $1.6 million contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/washington-wizards-officially-sign-martell-webster/|title=Washington Wizards officially sign Martell Webster|work=CBS Sports|date=August 29, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Golliver|first=Ben|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051601/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/washington-wizards-officially-sign-martell-webster/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played well for what he was signed for and had a .422 average for three-point shots and a .442 field goal percentage. On April 30, 2013, [[Jason Collins]], who joined the team in February, announced his homosexuality as a member of the Wizards. His announcement made him the first openly gay member of a North American team sport.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/29/sport/collins-gay/index.html|title=NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay|work=CNN|date=April 30, 2013|access-date=December 16, 2022|first1=Joe|last1=Sterling|first2=Steve|last2=Almasy|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051557/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/29/sport/collins-gay/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards ended the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=33|l=49}} record, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the Southeast Division, 10 games ahead of the [[2012–13 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2012-13&GroupBy=conf|title=NBA 2012-13 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216051601/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2012-13&GroupBy=conf|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 21, 2013, the Wizards went up five spots in the [[NBA draft lottery]] to make the number three overall selection for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-21/sports/39420274_1_wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld-washington-wizards-john-wall | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528103937/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-21/sports/39420274_1_wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld-washington-wizards-john-wall | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 28, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Michael | last=Lee | title=Wizards/NBA | date=May 22, 2013}}</ref> They used that pick to draft [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|Consensus All-American]] [[Otto Porter]] of [[Georgetown University]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-06-27/sports/40234435_1_washington-wizards-nba-draft-wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718095239/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-06-27/sports/40234435_1_washington-wizards-nba-draft-wizards-president-ernie-grunfeld | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 18, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Michael | last=Lee | title=Wizards/NBA | date=June 28, 2013}}</ref> On October 25, 2013, Wizards' center [[Emeka Okafor]] and a top-12 protected 2014 first-round pick were traded to the [[2013–14 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] for the center [[Marcin Gortat]], [[Shannon Brown]], [[Malcolm Lee (basketball)|Malcolm Lee]] and [[Kendall Marshall]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2013/10/28/shannon-brown-malcolm-lee-kendall-marshall-waivers-released-cut-washington/3290569/ | title=Wizards cut Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee, Kendall Marshall | work=USA Today | date=October 28, 2013 | access-date=October 29, 2013 | archive-date=November 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101111550/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2013/10/28/shannon-brown-malcolm-lee-kendall-marshall-waivers-released-cut-washington/3290569/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

====2013–14: Return to playoffs====
[[File:Capital One Arena interior 2017-04-19.jpg|250px|thumb|The Wizards returned to the playoffs in the 2014 season.]]
On February 3, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013–14 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] to improve to a 24–23 record. The win marked the first time the team had held a winning record since 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-trail-blazers-washington-wins-to-top-500-for-first-time-since-2009/2014/02/03/e203376c-8d40-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_story.html | title=Wizards vs. Trail Blazers: Washington wins to top .500 for first time since 2009 | newspaper=Washington Post | date=February 3, 2014 | access-date=February 3, 2014 | first=Michael | last=Lee | archive-date=February 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204073240/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-trail-blazers-washington-wins-to-top-500-for-first-time-since-2009/2014/02/03/e203376c-8d40-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_story.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 2, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013–14 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]] by a score of 118–92 to clinch the team's first playoff berth since the 2007–08 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489992|title=Wizards clinch first playoff berth since 2008|work=ESPN|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403122955/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489992|url-status=live}}</ref>  Led by first time All-Star John Wall, on April 29, 2014, the Wizards defeated the [[2013–14 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] in game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals by a score of 75–69 to win the series 4–1. This was the Wizards first series victory since the [[2005 NBA playoffs]] when they defeated the same team in 6 games.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553103 | title=Wizards knock out Bulls for rare postseason series victory | work=ESPN | date=April 29, 2014 | access-date=May 2, 2014 | archive-date=May 1, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501231057/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400553103 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Wizards advanced to the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Indiana Pacers. The Wizards won game one 102–96. In Game 2, the Wizards lost a 19-point second-half lead, as they dropped the game 88–82. After being routed by Indiana in game three 85–63, they also lost game four 95–92. They showed grit and determination as they staved off elimination with a 102–79 game five win. They were behind most of game 6, but battled back to take the lead late in the game. However, Indiana closed out the series with a 93–80 win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400556180|title=Pacers pull away from Wizards, advance to conference finals|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=May 16, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216052846/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400556180|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Trevor Ariza]] would leave in the off-season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-land-ariza-three-team-deal|title=Rockets Land Ariza & Valuable First Round Pick|location=Houston|work=Houston Rockets|publisher=NBA|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216052901/https://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-land-ariza-three-team-deal|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2014–15====
[[File:Bradley Beal Wizards cropped.jpg|thumb|Bradley Beal in 2013]]
After the departure of [[Trevor Ariza]], the Wizards signed veteran small forward [[Paul Pierce]] to a two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11208931/paul-pierce-washington-wizards-agree-two-year-deal|title=Paul Pierce to Wizards on 2-year deal|work=ESPN|date=July 13, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Stein|first=Marc|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053709/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11208931/paul-pierce-washington-wizards-agree-two-year-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> Pierce's veteran leadership proved to be a major factor on and off the court in the team's improvement. On November 12, 2014, the Wizards defeated the Detroit Pistons 107–103, extending their record to 6–2 for the first time since the 1975–76 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wall's 27 points lead Wizards over Pistons 107–103|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141112/DETWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 13, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915014140/http://www.nba.com/games/20141112/DETWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following game three days later, the Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 98–93 as they won their third straight and moved to 7–2, their best start since opening 7–1 during the 1974–75 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valentine|first=Harvey|title=Bench key as Wizards defeat Magic 98–93|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141115/ORLWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=November 15, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=April 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417004050/http://www.nba.com/games/20141115/ORLWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With a 104–96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on December 12, the Wizards moved to an 11–2 record at home to start the season for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news|last=White|first=Joseph|title=Wall, Wizards end Clippers' 9-game streak, 104–96|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141212/LACWAS/gameinfo.html|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=December 13, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416082328/http://www.nba.com/games/20141212/LACWAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They would struggle throughout the later months of the season but the Washington Wizards would finish the season with a {{Win-loss record|w=46|l=36}} record, their best record since the 1978–1979 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wall-less-wizards-are-on-target/2015/04/08/59d0102e-de37-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html|title=John Wall sits, but red-hot Wizards roll to 119-90 win at Philadelphia|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Castillo|first=Jorge|location=Philadelphia|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204155627/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wall-less-wizards-are-on-target/2015/04/08/59d0102e-de37-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They played the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and won in four games, marking their first sweep in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400790931|title=Bradley Beal steers Wizards into 2nd round with sweep of Raptors|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053708/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400790931|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the victory over Toronto, the Wizards next had to play the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards managed to take the first game in the series, but suffered the loss of Wall due to a fractured wrist.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 8, 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2015/story/_/id/12841935/john-wall-washington-wizards-fractured-left-wrist-hand|title=Wizards' John Wall has fractures in left wrist, hand|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|location=Washington|first=Ohm|last=Youngmisuk|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053737/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2015/story/_/id/12841935/john-wall-washington-wizards-fractured-left-wrist-hand|url-status=live}}</ref> Although small forward Paul Pierce made several big shots throughout the series, the loss of Wall proved too much, and Atlanta took the series in six games.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 16, 2015|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400793786|title=Hawks off to East finals for first time; Paul Pierce game-tying 3 ruled too late|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Washington|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216053708/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400793786|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2015–16====
However, the 2015–16 season was much less successful. The Wizards finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a {{Win-loss record|w=41|l=41}} record, and missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2015-16&GroupBy=conf|title=NBA 2015-16 Regular Season Standings|work=NBA|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216054215/https://www.nba.com/standings?Season=2015-16&GroupBy=conf|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13, 2016, the Wizards fired head coach Randy Wittman.<ref>{{cite news|title=WIZARDS PART WAYS WITH WITTMAN|url=https://wizardstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2016/04/14/wizards-part-ways-with-wittman|work=WizardsToday.MonumentalSportsNetwork.com|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010153553/https://wizardstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2016/04/14/wizards-part-ways-with-wittman|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wizards fire coach Randy Wittman after team misses playoffs|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15200611/wizards-fire-coach-randy-wittman-team-misses-playoffs|publisher=ESPN|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416002930/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15200611/wizards-fire-coach-randy-wittman-team-misses-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 21, 2016, [[Scott Brooks]], the former head coach of the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], agreed to a five-year, $35 million deal to be the head coach of the Wizards.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fendrich|first1=Howard|last2=Krawczynski|first2=Jon|title=Report: Wizards, Brooks agree on five-year deal|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/21/washington-wizards-agree-to-deal-with-scott-brooks.ap/|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314105120/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/21/washington-wizards-agree-to-deal-with-scott-brooks.ap/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 8, 2016, the team unveiled new alternative jerseys.<ref>{{cite news|last=Whitacre|first=Jake|title=Washington Wizards unveil alternate uniform|url=http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/9/8/12848518/washington-wizards-alternate-uniform-2016-2017-nba-stars-stripes|publisher=[[SB Nation|Bullets Forever]]|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909172312/http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/9/8/12848518/washington-wizards-alternate-uniform-2016-2017-nba-stars-stripes|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2015 on, their logo was the "monument ball" with "Navy Blue, Red, Silver, White" colors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsteamhistory.com/washington-wizards |title=Wizards logos |website=Sportsteamhistory |access-date=September 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927002420/http://sportsteamhistory.com/washington-wizards |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2016, they were ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports by Ultimate Standings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/10/21/13358158/wizards-espn-ultimate-rankings-2016-analysis |title=Wizards ranked 93rd of 122 worst franchises in major sports |last=Lee |first=Alberta |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 21, 2016 |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022094633/http://www.bulletsforever.com/2016/10/21/13358158/wizards-espn-ultimate-rankings-2016-analysis |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Scott Brooks (Hornets at Wizards 12-14-16).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Scott Brooks served as head coach from 2016 to 2021.]]

====2016–17====
The 2016–17 season would prove to be the most successful in recent Wizards history, following a {{Win-loss record|w=49|l=33}} record and winning the Southeast Division for the first time since 1979.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tennis/wizards-clinch-southeast-division-title-with-rally-past-lakers/2017/03/29/a6e396d8-13dc-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html|title=Wizards clinch Southeast Division title with rally past Lakers|newspaper=The Washington Post|location=Los Angeles|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Buckner|first=Candace|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908112641/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tennis/wizards-clinch-southeast-division-title-with-rally-past-lakers/2017/03/29/a6e396d8-13dc-11e7-ada0-1489b735b3a3_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This came off the breakout of Bradley Beal who averaged a then career-high 23.1 points. Beal's rise matched the continued All-Star play of John Wall who averaged career highs in points and assists with 23.1 and 10.7, respectively, earning him an All-NBA team spot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2017.html|title=2016-17 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats|work=Basketball Reference|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055210/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite starting the season 1–5, the Wizards would defeat the Boston Celtics 118–93 on November 9.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400899557|title=Porter scores career-best 34 as Wizards rout Celtics 118-93|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=December 16, 2022|location=Washington|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214142732/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400899557|url-status=live}}</ref> After mediocre play through much of the early part of the season, after December the Wizards would turn their season around, holding a record of 34–21 at the All-Star break. The Wizards finished the season 49–33, their highest win total since 1979.

In the first round of the playoffs the 4-seed Wizards were matched against the 5-seed Atlanta Hawks. After winning the first two games at home, the Wizards struggled on the road as the Hawks tied the series 2–2. The Wizards went on to win the next two games to close out the series at home behind stellar play from their backcourt of Wall and Beal who dropped a combined 73 points in the closeout Game 6 win.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2017/04/28/wizards-eliminate-hawks-nba-playoffs-game-6-road-win/101054482/|title=Wizards eliminate Hawks from NBA playoffs with Game 6 road win|work=USA Today|date=April 28, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|last=Zillgitt|first=Jeff|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055209/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2017/04/28/wizards-eliminate-hawks-nba-playoffs-game-6-road-win/101054482/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the second round, the Wizards faced the first-seeded Boston Celtics. They would go on to lose the series in 7 games.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2022|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400952532|title=Celtics power past Wizards in Game 7, 115-105|work=ESPN|agency=The Associated Press|location=Boston|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216055208/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400952532|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2017–18====
For the [[2017–18 Washington Wizards season|2017–18 season]], the Wizards would play their next season in the newly named [[Capital One Arena]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/9/verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/|work=The Washington Times|access-date=August 31, 2017|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115165409/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/9/verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/08/09/washington-wizards-verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/552221001/|title=Washington Wizards' Verizon Center renamed Capital One Arena|work=USA TODAY|access-date=August 31, 2017|language=en|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905033142/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2017/08/09/washington-wizards-verizon-center-renamed-capital-one-arena/552221001/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wizards finished with a 43–39 record, which was good for the 8th seed, but lost the first round in six games to the top-seeded [[2017–18 Toronto Raptors season|Toronto Raptors]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=2017–18 Washington Wizards Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2018.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=May 25, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530144419/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/2018.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Bradley Beal made his first All-Star team this season along with John Wall, who made his fifth in a row and last.

====2018–19====
In the off-season, the Wizards picked up [[Thomas Bryant (basketball)|Thomas Bryant]] off waivers and Troy Brown in the draft with the 15th pick in the [[2018 NBA draft]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/wizards/meet-wizards-draft-troy-brown|title=Get to know Wizards rookie Troy Brown Jr.|work=Washington Wizards|publisher=NBA|date=July 26, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060320/https://www.nba.com/wizards/meet-wizards-draft-troy-brown|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Bryant becoming a valuable asset and [[Bradley Beal]] having a career season, the season would end up being an underwhelming one full of turmoil and on-court troubles. The Wizards also went through injuries, including [[Dwight Howard]] playing 9 games before missing the rest of the season due to back problems and losing [[John Wall]] who underwent a season-ending surgery on his left Achilles which he injured while recovering from a previous injury,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2018/12/29/john-wall-season-ending-surgery-wizards-injury-woes/2443180002/|title=Another blow for Wizards: John Wall to have season-ending surgery|work=USA Today|agency=The Associated Press|date=December 29, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060320/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/wizards/2018/12/29/john-wall-season-ending-surgery-wizards-injury-woes/2443180002/|url-status=live}}</ref> while trading [[Kelly Oubre Jr.]], [[Otto Porter Jr.]], and [[Markieff Morris]] at the same time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-acquire-trevor-ariza-suns-official-release|title=Wizards trade Oubre Jr., Rivers to Suns for Ariza|work=NBA|publisher=NBA|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060326/https://www.nba.com/news/wizards-acquire-trevor-ariza-suns-official-release|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25940828/bulls-get-otto-porter-wizards-bobby-portis-jabari-parker|title=Bulls get Otto Porter Jr. from Wizards for Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker|work=ESPN|date=February 7, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060321/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25940828/bulls-get-otto-porter-wizards-bobby-portis-jabari-parker|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25942173/wizards-agree-trade-markieff-morris-pelicans-wesley-johnson|title=Wizards send Markieff Morris to Pelicans for Wesley Johnson|date=February 7, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2022|work=ESPN|archive-date=December 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216060318/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25942173/wizards-agree-trade-markieff-morris-pelicans-wesley-johnson|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the Wizards would miss the playoffs for the first time since the [[2015–16 Washington Wizards season|2015–16 season]]. Bradley Beal made his second All-Star Team.

==== 2019-20 ====
In April 2019, the Wizards fired general manager [[Ernie Grunfeld]], who had been with the team since 2003, with [[Tommy Sheppard (basketball)|Tommy Sheppard]] taking over as interim general manager until being officially hired fulltime in July 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grunfeld fired as president of Wizards |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/02/washington-wizards-ernie-grunfeld-fired-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722235821/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/04/02/washington-wizards-ernie-grunfeld-fired-report |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=NBA.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaskey-Blomain |first1=Michael |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Wizards promote Tommy Sheppard to general manager, add former NFL exec Sashi Brown to front office |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wizards-promote-tommy-sheppard-to-general-manager-add-former-nfl-exec-sashi-brown-to-front-office/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722235823/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wizards-promote-tommy-sheppard-to-general-manager-add-former-nfl-exec-sashi-brown-to-front-office/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 22, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> Alongside other front office moves, the Wizards selected Japanese player [[Rui Hachimura]] with their 9th pick in the [[2019 NBA draft]], as well as acquiring the [[2018–19 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]]' draft rights to 42nd pick [[Admiral Schofield]] in a trade.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2019 |title=Wizards' Admiral Schofield is already one of NBA's most interesting rookies |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-admiral-schofield-already-one-nbas-most-interesting-rookies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624044403/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/wizards-admiral-schofield-already-one-nbas-most-interesting-rookies |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |website=NBC Sports}}</ref>

Following the [[suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season]], the Wizards were one of the 22 teams invited to the [[2020 NBA Bubble|NBA Bubble]] to participate in the final eight games of the regular season,<ref>{{cite web |date=June 4, 2020 |title=NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019–20 season with 22 teams returning to play |url=https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612050333/https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/04/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> where the Wizards went 1–7 and missed the playoffs.