Most successful teams in the NBA have started to put an emphasis on spacing and shooting. Teams like the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, who’ve won championships by playing small-ball, have inspired others to start playing a similar style of basketball. However, the Washington Wizards weren’t one of those teams this past season.

Randy Wittman is an old-school coach who’s built a reputation as one of the most stubborn leaders in the league.

Unfortunately for Washington, Wittman’s reluctance to change his archaic style of basketball cost them some games during the regular season. With Nene and Marcin Gortat clogging the paint, Washington’s star back court had virtually no room to operate and their offense suffered as a result.

Once the NBA Playoffs started, though, the Wizards suddenly began playing small-ball and their offense flourished.

Paul Pierce played the power forward position and Otto Porter was slotted at the three spot. John Wall and Bradley Beal were given the necessary room to create offense and Gortat had space to dive towards the basket. Their improved offense in the playoffs will carry over to this upcoming season.

It finally seems like Wittman is starting to realize how to utilize his players. He’s obviously a flawed coach, but it’s great to see him finally start to preach the importance of playing fast and small.

The Washington Wizards lost Pierce to the Los Angeles Clippers this summer, which forced them to make a move for another veteran wing player that’s adapted his game over the past few seasons.

Jared Dudley is traditionally a small-forward, but given how the game has changed, he’s become a prototypical stretch four.

Washington went out and acquired Dudley from the Milwaukee Bucks after he opted into his deal, ultimately filling the void that was created following Pierce’s departure. Shortly after the trade was announced, though, it was revealed that Dudley needed back surgery and would be sidelined for weeks.

Dudley opted to get the surgery done during the off-season so he could return to action without missing many games, but he’s recovered well and his body has responded to treatment.

Yesterday during media day, Dudley seemed optimistic that he could potentially return before the season even begins.

“Health is really good. I expect to do 70-80 percent here at camp,” Dudley said at Monday’s media day on the Verizon Center practice court . “Me being out there in December, I’ll be out here way before then. To me it’s hopefully right on schedule for the season [opener] or at least early November.”

During an interview with Monumental Network’s correspondents, Dudley even mentioned wanting to play in a preseason game if the opportunity presents itself.

While the Washington Wizards would’ve been fine without Dudley — they signed numerous wings this summer and Drew Gooden can still space the floor — Wittman needs to figure out his rotation as early as possible.

Dudley probably won’t start at the four spot, but he will get plenty of time there along side John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Marcin Gortat. The sooner they develop chemistry, the better.

It seemed like Dudley would miss some time, but everyone is optimistic that he’ll return to the court very soon. Alan Anderson is also dealing with an ankle injury, but like Dudley, he probably won’t miss much, if any, action.