The Washington Wizards are entering an exciting summer with plenty of open roster spots that need to be filled
This season was a huge disappointment for the Washington Wizards.
After making the NBA Playoffs in the last two seasons, Washington finished 41-41 this season and found themselves in 10th place, three games behind the Detroit Pistons for the final playoff spot.
Since then, Randy Wittman has been relieved of his head coaching duties and the Wizards hired Scott Brooks as their new leading man.
Currently, the Washington Wizards have five players under contract – not counting Bradley Beal, who will receive a five-year extension from the club.
Most of the players entering unrestricted free agency will not be returning to the team next season, so there are many voids that need to be filled.
So, here’s my top 10 free agents the Wizards should keep their eyes on during what could be a very exciting summer.
1. DJ Augustin, Unrestricted, Point Guard, Denver Nuggets
DJ Augustin is a serviceable backup point guard that has performed at high level for each team he’s been with.
Since leaving Charlotte in 2012 he’s been with six teams and struggled to find his groove and a permanent home.
On February 18, he was traded to Denver after playing less than a year in Oklahoma City, which helped him find a role as a veteran leader.
In 28 games he averaged 11.6 points, shot 44 percent from the field, 41 percent from three and dished out five assists per game. Augustin’s familiarity with Brooks’ scheme is something worth mentioning and he will be a cheap, but will fill a void for the team.
2. Evan Fournier, Restricted, Shooting Guard, Orlando Magic
Evan Fournier is looking for a huge payday after having a breakout year in Orlando.
Before he was drafted by Denver in 2012, he spent three years playing for French clubs. After having two quiet seasons in Denver, he was traded to Orlando after the ’13-14 season and started to show his promise.
Last season he averaged 15.4 points, shot 46 percent from the field, 40 percent from three and had career-highs in games played and minutes.
A young versatile swingman that has a jumper, Fournier could be a key piece for Washington’s second unit. If the Washington Wizards miss out on a top free agent, they could opt to use their cap on added depth. That’s where Fournier would come in.
3. Chandler Parsons, Player Option, Small Forward , Dallas Mavericks
Chandler Parsons is one player that I like in this free agent class.
Already known for his athleticism and all around offense, he’s already become a high-quality starter in the league today.
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Parsons was drafted by the Rockets in 2011 and spent three seasons in Houston where he had career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, free throw percentage and minutes played.
Ever since he signed with Dallas, he has been in-and-out of the lineup.
Given the injury concern, the Wizards would be taking a risk, but it might be one that’s worth taking.
Playing along side John Wall could help Parsons regain the form he had in Houston.
4. Nicolas Batum, Unrestricted, Small Forward, Charlotte Hornets
Ever since he joined the league in 2008, Nicolas Batum has becoming a high-quality starting swingman in the league. Known for his all-around play on offense and defense, he was a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers.
After spending seven years in Portland, he was traded to the Hornets after the ’14-15 season. With Charlotte he averaged 15 points, nearly six rebounds and assists, shot 42 percent from the field and 34 percent from deep.
Nowadays, having versatile players like Batum is absolutely necessary to take a team to the next level. Batum could be a primary missing piece to the Washington Wizards’ puzzle.
5. Ryan Anderson, Unrestricted, Power Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
Washington had expressed interest in Ryan Anderson before this season’s trade deadline and they’ll have the opportunity to get him this summer.
The former Most Improved Player already established himself as one of the league’s best stretch fours.
Last season with Pelicans, Anderson averaged 17 points, six rebounds, shot 42 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.
Since he’s accustomed to playing with the starters and the second unit, adjusting to life with the Washington Wizards would not be difficult for Anderson. Washington desperately needs efficient scoring and Anderson would provide that.
6. Festus Ezeli, Restricted, Center, Golden State Warriors
The Nigerian Native was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2012 and played a key role in their championship run last year. But, the last two seasons he suffered a slue of injuries which made him miss 72 games, but still had career highs in most categories.
Even with the injury history, Ezeli has a ton of upside defensively and could help the Washington Wizards regain their identity on that end of the floor. Plus, the 32-year-old Marcin Gortat isn’t getting any younger.
7. Mirza Teletovic, Unrestricted, Power Forward, Phoenix Suns
After spending 10 years in the Euroleague, he made his NBA debut with the Brooklyn Nets in 2012. With the Nets last season he had career highs in points, field goal and 3-point percentage.
Teletovic could end up being a game-changing role player on a winning team. He’s a prototypical stretch four and he’s more than capable of being a filler-starter when called upon. Like Anderson, Teletovic would instantly give the Washington Wizards a scoring spark.
8. Allen Crabbe, Restricted, Swingman, Portland Trail Blazers
Allen Crabbe was a huge part of the Blazers’ success this season, even when no one really expected much from the relatively unknown prospect.
This season Crabbe had career highs in points, steals, assists, rebounds, field goal percentage, minutes and games played.
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