For certain professional teams, when it storms, it pours. The Washington Wizards commenced the season with seemingly renewed vigor behind procuring former Golden State Warrior Jordan Poole.

Thus far, the partnership of Poole and Kyle Kuzma has been unsatisfactory, to say the least. After a crushing defeat at the hands of Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wizards dropped to 3-19 on Monday night, standing as a testament to their lackluster performance. Many have suspected the deliberate underperformance, as Washington has already ceased exerting effort.

At this juncture, deliberately underperforming is likely the most straightforward option, even if it may not be optimal. Poole’s unsatisfactory start as a Wizard isn’t even the most dire aspect. The most concerning element of Washington’s predicament is that the opportune moment to underperform deliberately has elapsed.

There is no Victor Wembanyama in the 2024 draft. This doesn’t imply that none of the incoming players won’t turn out to be exceptional, but currently, it’s uncertain. Securing the No. 1 draft pick in 2024 won’t hold the same value it did last year.

Everyone knew that Wemby would be the No. 1 pick, irrespective of who held the selection. The same could be said for Zion Williamson in 2019. Despite the hindsight, at that time, Williamson was the player every eligible team coveted. The leading three teams competing for the No. 1 pick next spring will need to engage in proper scouting this time. That overwhelming consensus at the top is non-existent this year.

Nonetheless, the Wizards are on track to secure a top-three (at worst, top five) pick in the draft. Subsequently, it will be time to shake up the entire team if they haven’t already done so. Remove Poole and Kuzma from the team and start afresh. Opt for youthful talent and rebuild from scratch. Washington wouldn’t want their rookies entering the scene with Mr. Poole leading the way and Kuzma as their experienced players.

That would set the stage for failure.

It was imprudent to assume that Poole could arrive and lead this lineup in Washington. I was one of those individuals who believed they could achieve 25-30 victories with Poole and Kuzma. That was absolutely naive. Winning 20 games would be a stroke of luck at this point. John Wall received unwarranted criticism in the nation’s capital, especially towards the end of his tenure.

The organization at least made some playoff appearances and won several series during Wall’s era. These Wizards could experience a loss of 60-plus games under Poole’s leadership. Consider it a complete loss and move forward.