Washington Wizards 2016 Free Agency and Draft Preview
The Washington Wizards don’t have a draft pick in this year’s NBA Draft and they possess a lot of cap space. Here’s what they could potentially do
The Washington Wizards have just over a two percent chance of having a draft pick in this upcoming NBA Draft. With that in mind, what options does Ernie Grunfield and Washington have for 2016?
Since the Wizards moved their pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Markieff Morris, they likely won’t have a pick this year.
Although the Wizards are most likely losing a late lottery pick and don’t have any other picks in the draft, Grunfield doesn’t seem worried.
In an interview with CSN Mid-Atlantic Grunfield said, “You never know what happens on draft night.” The Wizards don’t seem like they will force anything, but kept the possibility open of trading for a pick. Grunfield later said, “If there’s someone that we really, really like, that’s a possibility.”
This year’s draft class may not have the next star for the Wizards but more of a piece to their puzzle. Grunfield believes they got their first round draft pick last season when they traded for Morris.
The Washington Wizards have their core guys they can build a team around with Morris, John Wall, Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre, and hopefully Bradley Beal.
That leaves room for Washington to make a big move in free agency, trade into the second round of the draft, and sign undrafted free agents that fit the system.
Team needs for the Wizards include a power forward, backup guard, and role players that can spread the floor and fit into the system Scott Brooks is going to implement.
Free Agency Options Not Named Bradley Beal
Turner, who was picked second overall after Wall in 2010, played a huge role in helping the Boston Celtics get to the playoffs this past year.
He averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 5 rebounds a game. He is listed as a shooting guard, but his 6’7″ and 220 pound body allows him to play small forward and even power forward.
He can really stretch the floor and play multiple positions off the bench or as a starter, giving Washington some much needed versatility.
D.J. Augustin started off the season with the star-studded Oklahoma City Thunder posting small numbers in limited action. He was later traded to the Denver Nuggets where he became the primary backup and increased his minutes from 15 minutes per game with OKC to roughly 24 with Denver.
During his time in Denver he averaged 11.6 points and 4.6 assists. He would be perfect for the primary backup spot behind Wall, especially since Ramon Sessions is expected to receive a significant raise this summer.
Whiteside has become one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, especially on the defensive end of the floor. The 7-footer averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and an outrageous 3.7 blocks per game.
Adding Hassan Whiteside to the Washington Wizards’ young lineup with John Wall and Bradley Beal would make them a legitimate championship contender.
Beal seems to be the main focus of free agency, but the Wizards are going to need more than just him to get back to the playoffs.
2016 Draft Options
The Washington Wizards likely will not have a pick in the 2016 NBA Draft unless they make a trade or get extremely lucky in the lottery. Here are three guys who were leaders on their respected teams for four years that may slip out of the draft or might be worthy of a Wizards trade on draft day.
Yogi Ferrell
Yogi Ferrell would be a perfect piece to the Wizards’ puzzle if he slips out of the draft. He is projected to go late in the second round and at the right price may even be worth a trade.
He is a four-year starter at Indiana University who put up ridiculous numbers his last three years. His senior year he averaged 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and shot 42% from 3-point land. He could make an immediate impact as a backup point guard.
Michael Gbinije
Michael Gbinije is rising on everybody’s draft board after helping lead Syracuse to the Final Four and an impressive draft combine. In his senior season he averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 4 rebounds per game.
He is a guard/forward, and with a little work on his strength, he can be a guy that can defend numerous positions.
Washington recently spoke with Gbinije during the combine, so it’ll be interesting to see if they have legitimate interest.
Alex Poythress
Poythress is another senior who helped lead his team to a Final Four, but was riddled with injuries throughout his college career. The once top high school prospect is most likely going to go undrafted, ranking at 108 on CBS’s draft prospect rankings.
He is definitely a developmental guy, but with help on his 3-point shot he could be a solid role player. He’s a hustle guy who, like Gbinije, can guard just about every position.
All of these players could help every NBA team in the future. The NBA lottery is on Tuesday and if the Washington Wizards don’t get one of the first three picks, they should think about making a push at each one of the aforementioned players.
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But, of course, we’ll continue to hope luck is on the Wizards’ side when the ping pong balls begin to bounce.