Photo: AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Washington Wizards record in 24-40 but they are ninth in the East, just 5.5 games out of a playoff spot.

Their playoff chances just took a hit though, as David Bertans announced he will not be rejoining the team when the NBA season restarts.

Bertans has a had a breakout season, and is Washington’s second leading scorer, averaging 15.4 points per game. He is an excellent shooter and at 6’10 can shoot over the top of defenders. He has hit 42.4 percent of his attempted 3-pointers. He already made 200 3-pointers in 54 games before the season was suspended.

The 27-year-old is set to become a free agent after this season and his big season should earn him a big contract. He has already suffered two ACL injuries so his decision to sit out is not all that surprising.

The Wizards have publicly supported Bertans and are certainly one of the teams that will be interested in signing him as a free agent. As for this season, the Wizards difficult road to the postseason, just got even tougher.