Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Cleveland Cavaliers Still Too Deep For Washington Wizards

https://twitter.com/imdancarillo/status/838762379701690369

Hey, Dan.

It really came down to the Washington Wizards wanting to “win now,” so to speak.

Danuel House never played this season, and when the opportunity was there, he was out with a broken wrist. Scott Brooks never got a real chance to evaluate him as a player. He seemed to have 3-and-D skills, but without playing time, it would’ve been hard to thrust him out there.

Trey Burke has been underwhelming. Players that are traded for nothing, like Burke was by the Utah Jazz, typically aren’t very good. Expectations for Burke coming to Washington weren’t that high, but he hasn’t produced.

At this point, that’s all that should matter. Whether it’s John Wall or Trey Burke, the same thing is expected: production (the degree of production will vary, but the point remains). If a player doesn’t produce, then he shouldn’t play. That’s where Burke is.

So, to answer your question, the Washington Wizards kept him over House because he’s played this season. Plus, he’s a veteran. He hit some big shots for Michigan in college. He’s had a more successful basketball career than House.

Washington knows what they would get out of Burke. The same can’t be said for House. At the end, though, the Wizards don’t want to be in a position where they’re dependent on Burke for production – because they won’t get it.

Enter, Brandon Jennings.