Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Why Brandon Jennings Is a Better Option Than Trey Burke
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards hoped Trey Burke would become a reliable backup, but it’s clear they need to sign Brandon Jennings to bolster the bench.
The Washington Wizards have suffered two disappointing defeats following the All-Star break – one to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers and another to the rising Utah Jazz.
Washington’s defensive intensity has slipped and their forwards, Otto Porter and Markieff Morris, haven’t been hitting shots from the perimeter like we’ve become accustomed to seeing.
The shot-making will come and go. Teams find rhythms, lose it and find it again. It’s a never-ending cycle, unless you’re the Golden State Warriors. That much isn’t a problem.
The Wizards’ defense and lack of depth has been a concern, though.
Against the Jazz on Sunday night, the Wizards went four minutes without scoring – all with their second unit on the floor. The team’s bench is 29th in scoring, rivaled only by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and last in assists.
Ernie Grunfeld failed to construct a reliable bench this past off-season and the Bojan Bogdanovic acquisition isn’t a cure-all.
For the Wizards to actually compete in the NBA Playoffs and push the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’ll have to find a way to bolster their bench.
On Monday afternoon, the New York Knicks waived Brandon Jennings and the Wizards immediately showed interest in the point guard.
This week’s Mailbag will be focused on that rumor.