The Wizards had been one of many busiest groups of the offseason, bringing in first-round draftees in Alex Sarr, Carlton “Bub” Carrington and Kyshawn George. Additionally they signed Jonas Valanciunas and Saddiq Bey whereas making different strikes across the margins.
Final season marked the worst in Washington franchise historical past, with the staff registering a .183 win share that was about 4 share factors worse than their earlier low within the 1961/62 season. Whereas the Wizards didn’t turn out to be in a single day contenders, the final sentiment is that they did properly to proceed infusing younger expertise with serviceable veterans.
Sarr had a little bit of a tricky Summer season League, however he was neck-and-neck with No. 1 choose Zaccharie Risacher within the eyes of most expertise evaluators for greatest prospect within the draft. For my part, Washington did properly to encompass him with veterans with differing skillsets that may assist him as he rises by the ranks. Carrington enters the league as one of many youngest and most explosive guards and may have a runway to minutes comparatively early in his profession. George equally has an attention-grabbing upside and brings each ACC expertise (Miami) and worldwide experience (Switzerland).
Bey was a free agent transfer that fell beneath the radar however ought to assist the staff massively. Bey’s effectivity fell off a bit this previous season however he shot 36.1% from three on 6.5 makes an attempt within the first three years of his profession. He ought to assist a Wizards staff that ranked twenty fifth in three-point effectivity final season enhance in that regard.
One other main space to be careful for is how Washington’s younger gamers proceed to develop round one another. Corey Kispert is 25 now however has steadily improved over the course of his three-year profession. In the meantime, Bilal Coulibaly confirmed immense promise final season and may solely proceed to enhance as a scorer and defender. His upside and growth are key to this present construct turning into aggressive.
Jordan Poole had a tricky begin to final season however he quietly averaged 21.0 factors whereas making 36.4% of his 8.9 three-point makes an attempt in his final 24 video games of the season. Perhaps he and Kyle Kuzma don’t construct on these numbers, however they may each be used to assist complement this younger staff. For what it’s price, Kuzma has appeared to get pleasure from being a focus in Washington.
Moreover, Washington isn’t performed making strikes this offseason. The staff has 17 gamers signed to straightforward contracts and are one of many solely groups who must cope with that kind of roster crunch. Whereas the staff could find yourself chopping each Eugene Omoruyi and Jared Butler, the staff’s solely two non-guaranteed salaries, we identified in July that it won’t be that straightforward.
The Wizards appear to love Omoruyi and Butler performed properly final season whereas additionally becoming a positional want at level guard. They may simply reduce different gamers on small normal offers, but it surely’s onerous to pinpoint who precisely can be on the chopping block. The staff re-signed Anthony Gill to a 3rd contract with the staff and clearly values him. Patrick Baldwin could possibly be an alternative choice, however he’s nonetheless younger and has untapped upside. Exterior of these, that leaves trades as the one solution to trim the roster. Of commerce choices, maybe the staff provides Johnny Davis a change of surroundings.
No matter what different strikes Washington makes for the remainder of the offseason, their younger core is undeniably in a greater place than the place it was final season.
That brings us to our query of the day. How do you consider the Wizards’ offseason? Are you intrigued by their younger gamers? What strikes ought to they make to trim the roster? What’s subsequent?
Take to the feedback to tell us what you suppose. We sit up for studying your enter.
