Washington Wizards: Ranking The Top 5 Small Forwards In Recent Franchise History
By Ben Mehic
4) Trevor Ariza
If Trevor Ariza never played for the Washington Wizards, the team never would have set high expectations for the seasons that came after his time in D.C. was over.
Ariza, along with Emeka Okafor, played a huge role in transforming the way the entire organization operated after they were acquired from the New Orleans Hornets.
Having played on championship teams, Ariza knew what it took to win games at the highest level. Most importantly, he embraced his role as a veteran leader for a team that desperately needed role models.
Quietly, Ariza became one of the league’s best 3-point marksmen, shooting a career-high 41 percent from beyond the arc in Washington. He perfected the corner three and was often the beneficiary of John Wall‘s court vision.
Instead of relying on his individual talents, Ariza owned the fact that he was strictly a high-level role player. That, in itself, is somewhat of a talent. There aren’t a lot of players that accepted their roles in Washington. Those that did, though, went on to have the biggest paydays of their respective careers.
Ariza didn’t have a problem with being a spot-up shooter and a lockdown defender. Washington didn’t have a 3-and-D player before Ariza arrived and they’ve yet to replace his skill-set in that capacity since he left in 2014.
In many ways, Ariza was the backbone of Washington’s elite defense for years. He led the way on the perimeter and was often given the toughest offensive assignment, no matter how big or small the offensive player was.
In the playoffs, Ariza shut down Mike Dunleavy and D.J. Augustin after the two had explosive games in the series. His “you’re not scoring on me” mentality carried over to the rest of the team and Wall, in particular, became a fantastic perimeter defender, making the All-Defensive Second Team.
Ariza is everything that a supporting player should be. He found a signature shot from the corner, played excellent defense and mentored the younger players.
Washington hasn’t replaced his presence yet, but the Houston Rockets might consider moving Ariza this upcoming season. If the Wizards aren’t sold on Otto Porter by then, maybe we’ll get an opportunity to see Ariza in the nation’s capital again.
Next: 3) Pierce