What is UP, Duke Sizemore here, and Washington just got one HECK of an offseason recalibration! Here’s what we’ve got today: the Wizards jump six places in the preseason model after finishing dead last in Elo, Indiana brings the biggest preseason hype number, and the Clippers are sitting at the other extreme.
Okay, okay, okay, Washington first. Remember, there is no new game here. The modelled schedule ended June 14, and the next confirmed action is Miami-Toronto preseason on October 3. So we are talking recalibration, not results.
And Washington needed one! The Wizards finished 17-and-65, number 30 in Elo at 1201, after SIX straight losses. April 7 was the crusher: Chicago beat Washington 129-98 and ripped 23 Elo points away in one night. Then came another Bulls loss, a 140-117 Miami defeat, and a 130-117 loss at Cleveland. Across the recent spotlight swing: MINUS 48.3!
But now comes the reset. Washington’s preseason Elo is 1355.5, good for number 24. That is SIX spots above where they finished! The ingredients matter: a 1305.7 carry Elo, a 1405.3 market Elo, and a positive 49.8 preseason hype measure. That does not erase a 17-win season, but THAT is a dramatically different starting position.
Now widen the lens, because Indiana is bringing the biggest hype figure in this dataset at PLUS 91.3 after a 19-and-63 record. At the opposite end? The LA Clippers: MINUS 108.2 after going 42-and-41. That contrast is enormous.
And no, I’m not manufacturing movement where there isn’t any. There are zero power movers versus August 29, the title-race data is stale, and Summer League has no fresh games. Today’s signal is the preseason reset itself.
Washington went from a brutal minus-48.3 closing swing to a six-place model boost. Now we wait to see whether the basketball can meet the recalibration. I’m Duke Sizemore, and I will catch you tomorrow!