Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Jason Smith’s Time to Shine in 2017-18

By Jen Julie Smith

BOSTON, MA -  MAY 2: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2016 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA -  MAY 2: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2016 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 30: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards celebrates a three point basket from the bench against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 30: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards celebrates a three point basket from the bench against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Smith should be the Wizards 6th Man

In addition to bringing energy to a team, that sometimes plays during the regular season as if they don’t have any, Smith also brings an infectious enthusiasm. He sometimes looks like the only player actually enjoying the game, even when he’s on the sidelines. And that enthusiasm can be contagious for his teammates.

Hopefully, Ian Mahinmi returns to the court, and it’s unfortunate that he’s been through a series of injuries. However, if Mahinmi is again limited next season, Smith should move behind Marcin Gortat, as his primary backup.

Smith should be given more playing time during the regular season, so he’s in a rhythm once the postseason rolls around.

Not to say that there aren’t any holes in Smith’s game. Because he has to learn to protect the ball and limit turnovers, and also up his rebounding percentages. But if he can get a handle on those things, he will be a reliable center. Because he has the length and strength, to play bang-bang basketball underneath the rim.

The only cautionary advisory would be – try not to block any shots at the rim, or attempt any steals.

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The Washington Wizards don’t have a true sixth man, and Smith can fill that role. This will be his tenth year in the league, and second full season in Washington. He is ready and able to be that missing man in the middle, behind Gortat.

As the roster now stands, the Wizards did not really add that much depth, this offseason. The Celtics, who only filled 14 spots, have much more depth than Washington. Not to say Boston won’t add more players. But even with a full squad, Washington is starting the season shorthanded once again.

There were reasons why Coach Scott Brooks didn’t believe in his bench in Game 7, when the Celtics had full faith in theirs. But if the Wizards don’t want to suffer defeat yet again, at the hands of another team’s bench, Brooks best start believing in his bench. Because a famous man once said, “there’s only one team”.

Next: Where Does the Wizards' Backcourt Rank?

Next season, should be Smith’s time to shine and show the rest of the league, that he has a lot more to offer than patting his teammates on the back after a loss. Smith can help the Wizards win games. He just needs a chance.

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