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How Will the Washington Wizards’ Rotation Look Next Season?

By Frank J. Platko

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 29: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards, John Wall #2, Markieff Morris #5, Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Bradley Beal #3 talk during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 29: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards, John Wall #2, Markieff Morris #5, Otto Porter Jr. #22 and Bradley Beal #3 talk during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Marcin Gortat #13 and Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during the 2016-2017 Media Day on September 26, 2016 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Marcin Gortat #13 and Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during the 2016-2017 Media Day on September 26, 2016 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Center

Starter: Marcin Gortat

Backup: Ian Mahinmi

Reserve: Daniel Ochefu

The Wizards have a lot of money invested in the center position. Assuming no moves are on the way, both Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi will be in Washington Wizards uniform’s next season. The two 6’11 big men will make a combined $28 million dollars next season.

The minutes distribution could get very tricky for Scott Brooks. None of the three centers on the roster can share the court at the same time, and they bring similar yet different play styles to the table.

Gortat will likely get the starting nod again this season, but Mahinmi could very well cut into his playing time. If he can stay healthy, Mahinmi brings value as an elite defender that Gortat cannot offer. However, if Mahinmi struggles to stay on the court like last season, Gortat will face little competition for playing time and break 30 MPG again. 

Daniel Ochefu is unlikely to see any playing time this season. Although he showed flashes in the summer league, his opportunities are limited. Even in the event of injury, Jason Smith would receive center minutes before Ochefu. 

Next: 4 Ways John Wall Can Be the Best Wizard Ever

However Brooks decides to stagger the rotation, it will be important that the players succeed in their role, and enable the starters to get more rest during the regular season so they can be locked in come playoff time.

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