When thinking of success for Washington Wizards basketball, some may think of the “Agent Zero” days, with Gilbert Arenas leading the charge into the playoffs only to seemingly lose every year to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some hardcore fans can remember-or look back at- the 1977-78 Bullets squad winning the National Basketball Association finals over the Seattle SuperSonics. However, in recent years, Wizards teams have been nothing to look back at with fond memories.

 “I think the success is great, but I don’t think they’re going to be able to continue it all season,” said sophomore Michael Davidson.

 In 2008, the Wizards signed Gilbert Arenas to a six year $111 million deal leading to disaster. The Wizards snowballed downwards after that, having several losing seasons, most in embarrassing fashions. The 2012-2013 season included an 0-12 start, which led to a 4-23 record in the beginning of the season. Poor seasons like this one, gave the Wizards high lottery draft picks, which lead to the drafting of shooting guard Bradley Beal with the third pick in the 2012 NBA draft. Beal is considered a building block of the franchise next to point guard John Wall.

 “They’re playing as a team. Usually they focus on just one player, but not this year,” said senior Dominic Lazatin.

 On Feb. 3, the Wizards beat the Portland Trail Blazers, giving them a winning record for the first time since Oct. 31, 2009. They failed in their previous seven attempts to break above the .500 mark. The Wizards lost on Feb. 5 to the San Antonio Spurs to bring their record back to .500, but lost in the loss was the fact that Washington went toe-to-toe, in double overtime, with a perennial NBA powerhouse.

 “The team is showing that they can achieve so much more [than a .500 record],” said Lazatin.

The Wizards are 24-24 and are well positioned for a playoff berth in the lackluster Eastern Conference.

 “I think they’ll make the playoffs as a low seed. They won’t be able to continue to play well” said Davidson.

This should not downgrade their feats, as they are the only NBA team to beat the Thunder, the Heat, and the Trail Blazers by double digits.

 The team is led by first time NBA all star Wall. The team rebuilt around Wall after the Arenas era, and though experiencing growing pains, would not be where they are today without the efforts of the Kentucky alum.

 “He missed 30 games last year, and it’s pretty obvious he’s what was missing to the team,” said Lazatin.

Wall leads all Eastern Conference point guards in assists (8.5) and rebounds (4.4). Wall is sidekicked by rising star Bradley Beal and center Marcin Gortat.

 “Wall is a monster. There’s no other way to put it,” said Davidson.

 The Wizards are not ready to compete in the NBA for a title-yet. The team is very young and a bright future is in order. Washington seems poised to compete with the Heat and the Pacers, the Wizards hope, within two to three years.

 “I think that this team will make the playoffs. I think the second round is tops for this team though because they don’t have playoff experience,” said Lazatin.

A .500 record is an important milestone for the long suffering Wizards, but it’s just a stepping stone. This was best summed up by Head Coach Randy Wittman, who said after the win “Holy Crap. Let’s hope that’s not something we’re celebrating here. I want it to be something bigger than that.”