Corey Kispert may have just helped the Wizards in an unexpected way

The Washington Wizards have tried a number of different starting lineups up to this point in the season.

Between the decisions to remove Bub Carrington from the starting lineup in favor of Bilal Coulibaly and the departures of Tre Johnson in between, Washington has tried to find a winning formula throughout this trying start to the season.

Head coach Brian Keefe was forced to look in a different direction this past Saturday against the Chicago Bulls as injuries began to pile up, and the decision he made might be the one decision that benefits the Wizards the most in an unexpected way.

Corey Kispert impressed in first start of the season

Corey Kispert heard his number called this weekend to fill out the Wizards’ starting lineup in the team’s game against the Bulls in the Windy City.

The former first-round pick started 103 games for Washington during his five years in the DMV, but this start for the Wizards on Saturday was the first for the sharpshooter of the year.

Early on, Kispert not only impressed, but he logged the most minutes of any player on the roster during the team’s one-point loss.

Finishing with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, shooting 70% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc, the Gonzaga product turned back the clock showing the potential his versatility offers and why Washington went after him in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft.

Despite Kispert’s stellar performance, his impact on the Wizards might not help the team the way fans expect.

Before his 20-point performance, the winger was in the midst of arguably the worst stretch of his career.

Averaging 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists, Kispert regressed throughout the early part of the season, placing his value on the trade market at an all-time low.

At 26 years old, it’s become clear that Kispert staying long-term has become increasingly unlikely and with the Wizards signing him to a team-friendly deal before last season, Washington could use his contract as a strong bargaining chip given his age, impact and team-friendly deal.

However, his poor play put the team in a difficult situation as his value began to drop,

Fortunately, his declining value could reverse after his best performance of the season and if that’s the case, Washington should have plenty of suitors willing to take on Kispert’s deal, providing them with increased financial flexibility and perhaps additional compensation and/or young players.

Only time will tell, but for now, things are looking up.