As the Washington Wizards are getting acclimated with Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton, here are a few reasons how and why this partnership is beneficial to the team.

The Washington Wizards have the NBA’s worst record, but they have been active. They added veterans Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton at the trade deadline while shipping out Kyle Kuzma. The team continues to try and develop a raft of intriguing young players.

It hasn’t been a minute since Marcus Smart started donning the Washington Wizards jersey and he’s already raising eyebrows for his defensive energy. After drawing an offensive foul in the fourth quarter during their duel with the Brooklyn Nets,

After taking a charge on Trendon Watford, Marcus Smart popped up with a flawless kip-up, sending the Wizards’ crowd into a frenzy.

Though not likely to ever be the tallest or the most skilled player on the court at a given time, NBA veteran Marcus Smart has long been known for his tenacious defense and grit. Clearly, that toughness hasn’t left him since being traded to the Washington Wizards earlier this month.

The Washington Wizards had their two veteran additions take the court on Friday. That has pushed the younger newcomers out of the big-league squad. NBA trade deadline acquisitions Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart debuted for the Wizards during Friday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital

It took 57 games for the Washington Wizards to hold a team under 100 points this season. Of course, Marcus Smart wasn't around for most of those. Smart and the Wizards held Brooklyn to 12 points in the fourth quarter of their 107-99 victory over the Nets on Monday night.

It took 57 games for the Washington Wizards to hold a team under 100 points this season. Of course, Marcus Smart wasn't around for most of those. Smart and the Wizards held Brooklyn to 12 points in the fourth quarter of their 107-99 victory over the Nets on Monday night.

Kuzma was traded from Washington to Milwaukee earlier this month. Khris Middleton went to the Wizards in that deal, and he finally played for his new team for the first time, scoring 12 points. Marcus Smart — acquired by Washington from Memphis — also made his Wizards debut and scored five.

Smart (finger) isn't listed on Washington's injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Nets. As expected, Smart will return to action Monday after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Magic due to a finger injury.

Washington Wizards Guard Marcus Smart has a chip on his shoulder. Here is why he plays the game with something to prove.

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole has embraced his new teammate Marcus Smart with open arms and is excited to see what the defensive stalwart will bring to the team. “Huge addition to our team,” Poole said,