NBA Summer League 2014: Washington Wizards Summer League Roster and Notes

Even though the Washington Wizards did not select in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft, the summer league will still serve as an opportunity for some of their core players to grow and get better.

Otto Porter, who was picked third by the Wizards in the 2013 NBA Draft, dealt with injuries during summer league and eventually went on to miss training game and the beginning of the season as a rookie. Needless to say, missing so much time right out of the gate seemed to stunt Porter’s growth. Once Porter finally recovered from a hip injury which sidelined him for quite some time, he struggled to adjust to the NBA game and eventually completely fell out of the Washington Wizards’ rotation as Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster emerged as the team’s primary small forwards. With that said, Otto Porter did show some growth and improvement during the latter half of the season.

Summer League will be key for Otto Porter, but it will also be important for Glen Rice Jr., who’s trying to earn a guaranteed contract with the Wizards. Porter and Rice will be the key players for the Washington Wizards’ summer league roster, but it will also include a few interesting prospects.

Here’s a list of all the players on the Washington Wizards’ summer league team, via Monumental Network.

• Khem Birch, Forward, UNLV
• Deonte Burton, Guard, Nevada
• Ian Chiles, Center, Morgan State
• Jarell Eddie, Forward, Virgina Tech
• Kim English, Guard, Missouri
• Charles Garcia, Forward, Seattle
• Christian Kabongo, Guard, New Mexico St.
• Frantz Massenat, Guard, Drexel
• Daniel Miller, Center, Georgia Tech
• Daniel Orton, Center, Kentucky
• Otto Porter, Forward, Georgetown
• Glen Rice Jr., Guard, Georgia Tech
• Daniel Theis, Forward, Germany
• Kwame Vaughn, Guard, Cal State Fullerton
• Maalik Wayns, Guard, Villanova
• Jamil Wilson, Forward, Marquette

With Martell Webster out 3-5 months after back surgery, the forwards listed on the roster could have legitimate chances at getting a training camp invite. Kim English is known for his ability to shoot the ball from the outside, while Glen Rice Jr. is expected to have a much bigger role during summer league. Rice averaged over 20 points per game during his NBA D-League stint this past season and he could potentially fill the void left by Webster’s absence.

Khem Birch and Deonte Burton were expected to get picked anywhere from the late first round to the second round, but fell and eventually went undrafted. Birch was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball, while Burton would provide some scoring relief off the bench. Maalik Wayns formerly played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers, so I expect him to compete with Burton for a training camp invite.

Overall, I think there is some legitimate talent on this year’s summer league team. Daniel Orton played with John Wall at Kentucky and could end up getting an invite if he makes an impact. I’d also look out for Birch and Burton, but most importantly, seeing the growth of Otto Porter and Glen Rice Jr. will be key.

The Washington Wizards’ summer league begins on July 12th against the Atlanta Hawks.