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Washington Wizards: Wizards, Searching for Tim Frazier

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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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WASHINGTON, DC –  OCTOBER 18: Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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)
WASHINGTON, DC –  OCTOBER 18: Tim Frazier #8 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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) /

After going scoreless for the first two games of the season, is the Washington Wizards’ Tim Frazier a reliable backup for John Wall?

Last season, the Washington Wizards were without a reliable backup for John Wall. They had both Tomas Satoransky and Brandon Jennings, but neither of those two guards were ready to run the second unit’s offense. Jennings appeared lost on the floor. While Satoransky was just too slow pushing the ball up the floor, allowing the defense too much time to get into position.

When Tim Frazier was acquired from the Pelicans, in exchange for the Wizards’ 52nd draft pick, it looked as if Washington had finally solved the backup position. In New Orleans, the veteran guard had started 35 games for the Pels last season, while Jrue Holiday was out, and late in the season alongside Holiday.

Frazier looked as if he was the guy to run the Wizards’ second-unit. However, in his first two games as a Wizard this season, he has scored 0 points. Not saying that this is a Tristan Thompson situation, when Thompson scored 0 points during 2 games in the Finals last season. But it’s not a good sign for Washington.

In their first regular season game against the Sixers, although Frazier had five assists, he had more turnovers, two, than points. Against the Pistons, he again had more turnovers, three, than points.

It’s not just that Frazier has been scoreless to start the season, he’s been an offensive liability.

Jodie Meeks has been a sight for sore eyes. He comes out guns blazing, and has fit in smoothly regardless of the rotation. If Coach Scott Brooks decides to go with a three-guard lineup, it’s as if Meeks has been playing alongside Wall and Bradley Beal his entire career. When he’s in the second-unit he plays as if he’s a starter.

In the season opener against the Sixers, Meeks came out guns blazing with 14 points, including a 3-pointer. He was perfect from the free throw line, knocking down all 7 of his shots. There was no rust, no ‘he needs to fit in with his new team’. Meeks was present and accounted for to start off the 2017-18 season.

Against the Pistons, Meeks again was perfect from the free throw line, and unconscious from the three – knocking down two crucial 3-pointers.

During the preseason, Meeks was lighting the floor up. So much so, that one wondered if he could continue this type of play during the regular season. He has, and the Wizards have a shot at the conference finals.

If Frazier shouldn’t be Wall’s primary backup, than some could argue it should be Satoransky. The game is much faster. Meeks should be the Wizard’s second option at the point guard position. Although, he may be a shoot-first point guard, it’s better than asking questions later.

Frazier at this point and time, is not a reliable backup for Wall. No need to even ask whether he should be moved over to the two.

Wall cannot be in the same position he was last season, during game 7 of the Boston series. He wasn’t fatigued just from the postseason, but he didn’t get meaningful rest the entire season. Is Frazier going to give him rest? Sato? When every team is trying to grab LeBron James’ crown, the Wizards can’t afford to wait for an answer.

Wizards’ fans have seen this game before. Frazier is Jennings 2.0.

Washington has to ask itself, do they want to continue with the Frazier experiment? Or go with the proven formula that is Jodie Meeks? I’ll make this easier – in an elimination game, would you rather Frazier or Meeks leading the bench?

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