Washington Wizards: Looking Back At Last Year's Players

Washington Wizards, Where Are They Now?: A Look Back To 2015

When you think about it, it’s incredible how many players have walked through the Verizon Center. During the season, it seems like these guys will be around forever when in reality they’re typically only members of the Washington Wizards for a season or two.

As an NBA fan, I obviously watch other teams play other than the Wizards, and it’s always surprising to see former Wizards elsewhere. Given how many players have been employed by the Wizards, I find myself to have a “oh, there goes that guy!” reaction almost every time.

I decided to take a look back to the 2014-2015 roster, because that season was pretty amazing for the Wizards. I mean, considering where we’re at today, the 2015 season might be the best one we’ll get in a long time.

The Washington Wizards retained most of the roster, but some of the players have moved elsewhere.

Here’s a look at where they’re at today.

Kevin Seraphin: signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks

Ernie Grunfeld wanted to the team to play small-ball this season, so Snakey never had a chance to return.

Seraphin was supposed to get paiiid, but he didn’t. As teams missed out on the top big men — LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol — Seraphin expected to become a second or third option. But he became the last resort for many teams, including the New York Knicks.

Seraphin signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Knicks. He hoped to get playing time and earn a big pay-day the following year.

I expected Seraphin to compete for playing time with Kyle O’Quinn, but I certainly didn’t expect him to be playing a career-low minutes per game midway through the season.

Seraphin has been hit with a reality-check. You cannot be a black hole and play in a system that involves ball-movement. I honestly feel kind of bad for Seraphin. He’s talented enough to contribute, but Randy Wittman‘s Doghouse ruined his development.

When you’re expected to contribute immediately when you step on the floor, it’s tough to develop. Seraphin was expected to make some sort of contribution right when he stepped on the floor, or else he was yanked out of the game. That killed his development and his confidence.

Now Seraphin is playing less than 11 minutes per game. Louis Amundson, who’s a borderline NBA player, is getting playing time over him. Seraphin is also shooting less than 40 percent from the field.

Things haven’t gone according to plan for Seraphin. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up overseas after this season.

Rasual Butler: signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs

Butler was among the league leaders in 3-point percentage for roughly half of last season, but then he fell back to reality. There’s only so much magic John Wall can produce.

Butler made the Washington Wizards after he performed well during training camp and preseason, but wasn’t expected to crack the rotation.

Andre Miller: signed one-year deal with Minnesota Timberwolves

That’s right: Prof. Dre, who’ll turn 40-years-old in March, is still in the NBA.

Prof. Dre was traded to the Sacramento Kings right before the trade deadline last season and I absolutely hated it.

Dre looked like a competent backup at 39 and he was the only stable guard the Washington Wizards had on their second unit. To make matters worse, Ernie Grunfeld traded our beloved Dre for Ramon Sessions, who was putting up Eric Maynor numbers for the Kings.

Thankfully, Grunfeld’s decision panned out.

Dre went on to play the rest of the season with the Kings, who traded a younger point guard and a trade exception (which turned into Jared Dudley) for just a couple of games of a 39-year-old guard. Never change, Sacramento.

I expected Dre to re-sign with the George Karl led team, but he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves instead.

The Wolves have the most talented young team in the NBA and they need veterans. Look at the Philadelphia 76ers: they have no veterans and their best player’s dad yells at their head coach. You need veterans. It’s that simple.

Dre is making over 60 percent of his shots in Minnesota, because of course he is. He’s played just under 11 minutes per game. Dre is still productive, people. And he’ll never retire.

Paul Pierce: signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers

Paul Pierce gave us one of the most memorable seasons in Washington Wizards history. From the game-winners to the quotes afterwards, I’ll never forget the moments The Truth gave us.

I still remember hearing about when he first signed with the Wizards, replacing Trevor Ariza. I couldn’t believe it. PAUL PIERCE was going to be a Wizard. It didn’t, and still doesn’t, feel real.

But then he was gone. Poof.

Paul wanted to join the Los Angeles Clippers last year, but they opted to sign Spencer Hawes. When the opportunity presented itself, Pierce joined the Clippers and reunited with his hometown. It didn’t hurt to have Doc Rivers there, who he won a championship with in Boston.

Pierce is averaging less than six points per game on a putrid 7.70 Player Efficiency Rating. He’s made less than 35 percent of his shots with the Clippers.

The 38-year-old future Hall-of-Famer is officially washed, unfortunately. Father Time has never lost a fight. Pierce probably won’t play out his three year deal. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t retire after this season.

Next: Wizards Are Wasting John Wall's Best Season

Do you miss any of the former Wizards from last year? Let us know in the comments section.

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Washington Wizards, Where Are They Now: Taking A Look Back To The 2015 Roster

By Ben Mehic | Feb 1, 2016

Washington Wizards, Where Are They Now?: A Look Back To 2015

Kevin Seraphin: signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks

Rasual Butler: signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs

Andre Miller: signed one-year deal with Minnesota Timberwolves

Paul Pierce: signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers