When you think of modern NBA Finals matchups, you should be considering the Washington Wizards. No, really, I’m serious!
A new TikTok video from Michael Mockler (@esquiresports) shows that the Wizards — rather, former Wizards — have had at least one player play a big role for every single NBA champion since 2017. That streak will continue with the 2024 edition of the Finals as Washington’s starting frontcourt from last season — Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford — play for the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.
The lesson here? Acquire a former Wizards player if you want to make a run to playing June NBA basketball. And no one is kidding:
I’m so glad this guy is telling the world what Wizards fans have known for years. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CM82SK16oW
— Becca (@BeccaMVP) June 2, 2024
The list of former Wizards to play for the eventual champion in every NBA Finals since 2017 is as follows:
- 2017-2018 Golden State Warriors: Shaun Livingston, JaVale McGee
- 2019 Toronto Raptors: Jodie Meeks
- 2020 Los Angeles Lakers: JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris
- 2021 Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis
- 2022 Golden State Warriors: Gary Payton II, Otto Porter, Chris Chiozza
- 2023 Denver Nuggets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jeff Green, Ish Smith, Thomas Bryant
Obviously, one of Gafford or Porzingis will eventually be included on this list after the 2024 Finals have concluded.
Don’t think this will likely stop in 2025, either. If free-agent names like Tyus Jones or potential trade candidates like Deni Avdija or Kyle Kuzma land on the right contending teams, this NBA Finals streak may well be extended for another year.