None of the aforementioned players are game changers, or players who would alter what already is a solid narrative for this team as they head towards the ’17-’18 season. That being said, given that 1/5 of the roster is dedicated to three players who played a total of 442 minutes in the league last year, doesn’t it make sense for the Wizards to try to further fortify their bench and gamble on any of the above finding their niche with the Wizards? Or would it serve Washington better to hope for the best and potentially be boxed in once again having to trade their 1st round pick at the trade deadline in an effort to beef up roster deficiencies?
The Miami Heat benefitted from a similar approach last season as they signed Dion Waiters on July 25th for to a two-year/$6MM deal which had a player option for the second year. Waiters went on average 15.8ppg for the Miami Heat playing a vital role for a team which had the Eastern Conference’s best record from January on. With quality free agents still available and money league-wide drying up, Washington may have put their pencils down for the offseason but they shouldn’t.
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The opportunity is there for a team if they’re willing to make a low-risk investment that won’t cost them anything other than a few more tax dollars.