Outsider’s Perspective: Questions with Wizards editor Julie Smith.

The New Orleans Pelicans face off with the Washington Wizards Tuesday night. Tuesday marks another pivotal matchup for the Pelicans, looking to stay above water in the Western Conference. For an inside look at the Wizards, we asked the editor of @WizofAwes Julie Smith a few questions.

1. We absolutely love Kelly Oubre in New Orleans. What are your thoughts about his progression, as he’s become an essential piece to the Wizards?

Oubre definitely has become an essential piece to the Wizards. He started the first seven games of the season, while Markieff Morris was out recovering from sports hernia surgery. Otto Porter, Jr. was moved over to the four, while Oubre started at the three.

He fit in seamlessly. In the first seven games, the third-year small forward averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds. Even more impressive, he was shooting 45.2 percent from three-point range. Last season, he only shot 28 percent from deep. That’s quite an improvement. It’s clear he put in work during the offseason, to be a credible threat from deep.

Now that he’s back in the second unit with Morris’ return, he’s still shooting a very respectable 36 percent from downtown. Even coming off the bench, when he’s running with the starters, as he did on Friday against the Clippers. His teammates trust him during key moments to help close out the game. John Wall swung him the ball, and Oubre knocked it down to help.

There have been some games this season, where the starters were off to a slow start, and Oubre’s high energy would kick-start the team.

The most important change in Oubre’s performance this season has been in his confidence and composure. He was always fearless. But he’s more confident in his shooting, and a lot more composed. Last season, he would get into early foul trouble. Not seeing any of those bad habits this season.

He is truly the lightning bolt for the Wizards. The best thing about him is that he’s only 22 years old, and is only going to get better.

2. It feels like the Wizards have been one piece away from being a contender in the East for some time. Is that still the case? If so what would complete them as a team?

That’s an interesting question. Recently, Wizards’ owner Ted Leonsis did an interview with his team’s Off the Bench podcast, and he agreed with what everyone has been saying—“The Wizards are one piece away”.

Yes, the Wizards are one piece away, but they were only one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The team that they had last season, is the same team that they have this season. Minus the unproductive bench. So, this is a tough question.

It’s no secret that Wizards’ fans want DeMarcus Cousins to join forces with his former Kentucky teammate Wall. But that’s another topic.

Yes, the Wizards are one piece away, but they would have to give up a lot of pieces as well. Also, they’re already in the luxury tax with three max players. However, that shouldn’t prevent a deal from getting done, it would just require a few extra steps.

I’m not going to single out a position, but take the easy way out, and say the piece we’re missing is in the frontcourt.

3. What is the biggest misconception the “outside” carries about the Wizards?

That the Wizards aren’t that good. Even though had they got a few defensive stops in the fourth quarter of game 7 of the Boston series, they would have been in the Eastern Conference Finals. No matter how far they have come, or what they have achieved, it has been hard to shake the notion that they’re not a good team.

They had a few hiccups this season, due to injuries and playing down to their competition, but they should get back on track.

4. Thoughts on Otto Porter after signing his latest contract

Although we lost to Golden State earlier in the season, Porter was the best player on the floor. I don’t know if there’s a correlation in signing that max contract, and his improved performance this season, but he’s playing like an All-Star. There may not be room for him this year, but he has earned that contract and then some.

5. Outsider’s perspective on the Pelicans

Well, they have Rajon Rondo. Interestingly enough, not that anyone would mistake me for a scout, I had written last season that the Wizards should’ve picked him up at the trade deadline. At the time he was collecting DNP-CD’s in Chicago. I pictured him as a solid backup to Wall. Then after he was released at the end of the season, I was hoping Washington would go after him. Especially after how he lit up Boston, during the playoffs.

But when I read that the Pelicans snagged him and that he would be starting, that made the most sense.

The Pelicans have a physical toughness. I think they’re a good team, in a very loaded West. Currently, they’re neck-and-neck with the Thunder in the standings. That’s a testament to the Pelican’s team chemistry and the fact that they gelled together so early. It should be a very exciting postseason.

Next: Anthony Davis on Playing Other Unicorns

That’s a wrap for our latest installment of outsider’s perspective. Be sure to follow Julie on twitter @jensrules and the Wizards FanSided extension at @WizofAwes.