Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Fixing the Wizards’ Rotation

Washington Wizards have a problem with their rotation and playing Jason Smith certainly hasn’t been helping Scott Brooks’ team.

We’re a quarter of the way into the 2016-17 NBA season.

Thus far, the Washington Wizards have been disappointing, to say the least. The team is rockin’ a 6-12 record and have the worst second unit in the entire league.

If the Wizards want to make the postseason, they have to turn things around rather quickly. The season is moving fast. They don’t have the talent to flip the switch. Really, it’s now or never.

As always, we’ll begin the week by answering some of your questions.

Thanks for the love.

Jason Smith is the worst rotation player in the NBA – he has a 2.21 Player Efficiency Rating – so anything would be an upgrade to the bench at this point.

With Ian Mahinmi out, the team has zero depth in the frontcourt. Scott Brooks doesn’t seem too keen on playing Daniel Ochefu, so the team has been left with Smith.

Johnny O’Bryant, by default, would be an upgrade.

That’s not a knock on O’Bryant since I thought he did enough to earn a roster spot, but it does say something when an NBA D-Leaguer would be a part of a team’s rotation instantly upon getting called up.

For all of the mistakes he’s made, Ernie Grunfeld isn’t a dumb dude. He knows what he’s doing, but has a different way of operating the team than most would.

Grunfeld has been around the league forever, both as a player and general manager. I’m sure he’s learned how to tune the noise out.

He’s been “the man” for decades. I’m sure he operates with the “I’m the man, who are they?” mindset. After all, he’s the one making millions of dollars running the organization and the fans, well, aren’t.

So, while I don’t know the answer to your question, I think he’s aware that he’s made mistakes, can rationalize the mistakes and moves on through the noise.

Grunfeld is probably working to keep his job. If the Washington Wizards miss the NBA Playoffs again, you’d have to think Ted Leonsis would finally consider making a serious change to the front office.

He’s done things to save his job before.

More from Wiz of Awes

• It would be a mistake for the Wizards to trade for this elite sharpshooter
• When is the 2024 NBA trade deadline? Everything you need to know
• 5 early predictions for the 2023-24 Washington Wizards
• 4 most interesting Washington Wizards storylines for the 2023-24 season
• Washington Wizards: 3 teams that would be perfect fit for Danilo Gallinari

He’s made panicky moves in the past.

Grunfeld acquired Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris for first round picks.

He made both moves to salvage seasons.

If the team continues to lose, I could see him trading another pick or one of the young assets (like Kelly Oubre) for an upgrade to the bench.

We also have to consider Mahinmi’s return to the lineup, which could be sooner than later.

Let’s say Mahinmi returns and produces well enough to replace Gortat in the starting lineup.

Then, Grunfeld might opt to move Gortat for, say, a Rudy Gay or someone of that caliber.

The trade deadline is right around the corner. The season is flying. If the Wizards are on the edge of making the playoffs, Grunfeld might decide to make a change.

Getting a legitimate player for the bench is something he might consider doing.

It was clear that Washington made a mistake right after they signed Jason Smith. They already had Gortat, Morris, Mahinmi and Andrew Nicholson under contract. Signing another big man to a three-year deal made absolutely no sense, but the Wizards make a head-scratching move every year.

Smith, for what it’s worth, is a really good teammate. Every locker room needs a positive spirit, and this year, Smith is that guy for Washington.

But, Smith isn’t the main problem. The rotation (and the lack of talent available on the roster) is the problem.

The only way to fix the rotation (and end the Smith era) is to allow the rookies to play.

There’s no way Ochefu, who’s younger, more spry and athletic than Smith, is worse than those currently ahead of him in the rotation.

The same is true for Sheldon McClellan, who actually showed that he’s capable of scoring. Marcus Thornton has done nothing to earn a spot over him, except that he’s been in the league longer.

Next: Ernie Grunfeld Failed to Build a Respectable Team

It’s time to let the rookies play, because the guys currently getting run aren’t producing.