Washington Wizards’ Jodie Meeks stuns in his preseason debut, against the Guangzhou Long-Lions.
On Monday, the Washington Wizards hosted their first preseason game against the Guangzhou Long-Lions. With no John Wall or Markieff Morris, the Wizards’ bench was on full display. Washington easily handled the Long-Lions, with a 126-96 victory.
There were a lot of storylines to watch from a Wizards fan’s perspective. Tomas Satoransky starting at point guard, Otto Porter’s first action since signing his max contract, Kelly Oubre’s progression and many more.
The storyline that I followed was the role of Jodie Meeks. The 30 year-old veteran shooting guard, was added during the offseason, to help bolster what was a relatively lackluster and inconsistent bench.
Meeks has been to the playoff four times, and played for five different teams, during his eight year career. The last being the Orlando Magic, before joining Washington.
However, none of those teams are considered to be great. Landing in Washington provides the veteran guard, the opportunity to play for a great team.
Comparing Meeks as a suitable replacement to Bogan Bogdanovic might not be fair, because they both have their own unique style of play.
Meeks shoots lights out
Meeks looked impressive in his preseason debut, scoring 19 points in 16 minutes. He shot 7-9 from the field, and 4-5 from the 3-point line. We were able to get a small glimpse of what Meeks can do, and also what he needs to do this season.
Last season, he shot 40 percent from the 3-point line, with a career average of 37.6 percent, beyond the arc.
While the Wizards did not have a single bench player last year, who shot 40 percent from the three (of players that attempted at least 100 threes).
Prior to joining the Wizards, Meeks has never played with a point guard like Wall. It is impossible to predict how much time the backup shooting guard, will share the court with Wall. But it is safe to assume that they’ll play some minutes together.
Wall has proven that he can get his teammates open shots. Just ask Bradley Beal, Porter, Bogdanovic and literally every other wing player, who has ever played with Wall.
Meeks just has to make his shots. If Meeks is able to shoot 40 percent from the three, then the second-unit becomes incredibly dynamic. They will be able to spread the floor while getting out in transition.
Bogdanovic’s ability to hit threes, added depth to the second unit, making the Wizards legitimate challengers to Cleveland. Unfortunately, Bo Buckets’ performance dropped off during the playoffs.
Consistency is going to be crucial and Meeks needs to stay healthy as well. Meeks has played a combined 39 games, in the last two seasons. The Wizards dealt with their fair share of injuries last year, from the bench. A situation that they would certainly wish to avoid.
If Meeks is able to contribute on a consistent basis, he’s exactly what the Wizards need this season. A knockdown shooter who can provide a spark of the bench.
Next, the Wizards play the New York Knicks on Friday.