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Washington Wizards Monday Mailbag: Should Kelly Oubre, Jr. Start? Should Jason Smith Play More?

By Garrison Cole

WASHINGTON, DC -  APRIL 16: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center 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 -  APRIL 16: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center 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 –  APRIL 16: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center 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 –  APRIL 16: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center 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 the Washington Wizards’ Kelly Oubre, Jr. did a great job filling in for Markieff Morris, should he continue to start? Also, should Jason Smith receive more playing time?

The Washington Wizards begin a stretch of four straight games at home on Tuesday beginning with the Dallas Mavericks. Washington just came off  an impressive road victory against the Toronto Raptors, without the services of John Wall, which halted a two game losing streak.

The Wizards at 5-4 are still trying to put together some consistent basketball. However, it’s November so there’s no need to be too concerned just yet. That said, Wizards’ fans are a passionate critical bunch so let’s dive in to this week’s mailbag.

Thanks for the question Munard! We got this question last week, but I think it’s an important enough topic to talk about in this week’s mailbag.

Markieff Morris made his return to the lineup last Friday against the Cavaliers, and has played two games thus far. Morris looks a bit rusty and his timing appears off, which is understandable. However, I think it’s a little too soon to consider putting Morris on the bench, because he brings something that the Wizards lack—toughness.

Not saying Kelly Oubre, Jr. isn’t tough, but there’s an added edge which Keef brings. Despite Kelly Oubre’s nice start —he’s averaging 12 points and almost 6 rebounds per game—I don’t think we’ve reached that point just yet, where starting Oubre is the best thing for the Wizards. Could that change? Yes, and in the end this is a good problem to have.

Hey Joe! Oh dear another Ian Mahinmi question, you guys are fed up! I know how much of the #DCFamily feels about Mahinmi and all of it is positive. I get and understand the frustration, most of it due to the giant contract he signed. Mahinmi is coming off a pretty active effort against the Raptors. He grabbed six rebounds and had seven points and he was only out there 10 minutes.

I think we need to remember that also Jason Smith is good, he isn’t best option either. Yes, he would help space the floor offensively, but he is a liability on the defensive end. The lack of big men depth (read any depth) is something that needs to be laid at the feet of Ernie Grunfeld.

The Wizards are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the reserve big men, and if the Wizards want to be a better defensive team, Mahinmi gives them the best chance at that.

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