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.

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

Boston Celtics fans had a hard time stomaching the initial snapshots of Marcus Smart in a Washington Wizards uniform. Washington acquired Smart from the Memphis

Washington Wizards swingmen Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart participated in the team’s full practice on Wednesday, signifying the two ballers could make their team debut soon. Middleton played 23 games for the Milwaukee Bucks this season before being traded to Kyle Kuzma earlier this month.

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.

The veteran guard is still dealing with a partial muscle tear in his right index finger, but he could return for the second leg of the Wizards' back-to-back set Monday against the Nets.