Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Free Agent Options, Potential Playoff Opponents, and More
By Ben Mehic
We’re back with the February 2nd edition of Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday.
Today’s questions come from Twitter and Reddit.
@WizOfAwes Would trying to get Enes Kanter for a 1st be an outrageous or unnecessary acquisition?
— Sun God, Nicca (@PantherNoTiger) February 2, 2015
Enes Kanter is reportedly on the trade block. Now that Rudy Gobert has become a true defensive force, the Utah Jazz could potentially trade Kanter before it’s time to sign him to a big contact extension. That’s where the move wouldn’t make sense for the Washington Wizards.
Kanter will become a restricted free agent this summer, and like most big men, he’s going to get PAIIIID.
But to answer your question, it’d be an unnecessary acquisition for Washington.
They already have a scoring big man in Kevin Seraphin off the bench, and Marcin Gortat is locked up for the long-term. Keeping their late-first round pick and drafting a big man is probably a better option. Kanter is very skilled in the post and has gotten better with his outside shot, but defensively, he leaves much to be desired.
Washington wants to keep all their chips for 2016, which will make re-signing Seraphin a bit difficult this summer. Having Kanter to worry about would create an even bigger concern. Drafting a young big man on a rookie contract this summer is a better option.
@BenMehicNBA @WizOfAwes Can the Wiz beat the Raptors in a 7 game playoff series?
— Greg Gottfried (@gott31) February 2, 2015
While they have struggled against the Toronto Raptors during the regular season, the Washington Wizards would have a good chance to beat them in the playoffs. Why? Experience.
I’m a big believer in having veterans during the playoffs. The Raptors were expected to beat the Brooklyn Nets this past season in the first round, but ended up losing in the closing moments. The Raptors are an extremely talented, young bunch. But I don’t think they have enough playoff experience to beat a team with John Wall, Paul Pierce, Nene, and the rest of the vets.
It would certainly be a good series, though.
@BenMehicNBA @WizOfAwes Who are the teams the Wiz want to see & Definitely dont want to see in the playoffs? Why?
— Eric Saar (@Eric_Saar) February 2, 2015
Let’s avoid the Atlanta Hawks, please.
The Hawks are really, really, really good.
Honestly, I was skeptical of the Hawks at the beginning of their ridiculous 19-win streak, but they’ve beaten top teams in both conferences.
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They have four All-Star caliber playoffs on their roster and they’ve completely bought into coach Mike Budenholtzer’s system. Let’s avoid the Spurs-east in the playoffs, please.
If the NBA Playoffs started today, the Washington Wizards would match up against the Milwaukee Bucks. As long as they remain in the top-3, the Wizards should move on to the semi-finals once again.
That’s where it’ll get challenging.
The Wizards seem to have figured out the Chicago Bulls, so I’d like to see that match up in the second round. The Toronto Raptors would be my second choice.
Playing the Bucks in the first round, followed by the Bulls, would probably be the easiest route to the conference finals for the Washington Wizards.
Even though it might seem like the Washington Wizards desperately need some help for their second unit, it’s important to remain patient.
Ernie Grunfeld and Co. will continue to wait for Ray Allen to make a decision. I don’t expect him to sign with the Wizards, though.
Once Allen chooses another team or opts to remain retired, Washington will explore other options.
They’ve already reportedly expressed interest in Will Bynum, who’s pretty good at creating for himself and for others. I’d also look for these players to become available, either through trade or free agency following a buy out: Jose Calderon, Pablo Prigioni, Mo Williams, and Ramon Sessions.
Washington waived Glen Rice Jr. for a reason. They want to fill the final roster spot with a veteran, and I’d expect them to do so.
It’s important to remain patient, though. Players will become available soon. Instead of pulling the trigger, it’s better to wait and what teams do after the trade deadline.
How are teams adapting to the Wizards now? Lately our Pick ‘n’ Roll defense has been horrendous. -via Gr8WallofChinatown
I don’t think teams are necessarily doing anything differently. It’s the Washington Wizards who are changing how they play.
People have criticized Marcin Gortat for his lack of production lately, causing him to shave his awesome mohawk, but Gortat hasn’t been doing anything differently.
He’s one of the best pick-and-roll big men in the NBA, but the Wizards haven’t utilized the play nearly as often as they should.
Gortat is most successful when he’s coming off screens, and we’re rarely seeing him and John Wall connect on that play. Instead, they’ve been forcing the ball in the post, putting Gortat in a tough situation down-low.
As for the defense, well, the Wizards have played better teams. They’re coming off a tough west-coast road trip where they played 4 games in 5 nights. The team is going to struggle from time to time and their defense won’t be as consistent.
I wouldn’t worry too much about their defense, though. Randy Wittman‘s club has been top-10 in that category since he took over. Finding out how to consistently put the ball through the hoop should be the concern.
That’s it for today’s Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday. If you have a question you’d like me to answer for next week’s mailbag, tweet us or leave it in the comments section.