Wiz of Awes
Fansided

3 reasons why Tomas Satoransky should be Wall’s primary backup

By Donnell Coley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 28: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 28, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 28: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 28, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 28: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 28, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 28: Tomas Satoransky #31 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 28, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards second-year guard Tomas Satoransky is having a break-out season. He’s opened the conversation as to how big a role he should play, now that John Wall is back.

In his second season with the Washington Wizards, by way of the Czech Republic, Tomas Satoransky is starting to come into his own. The lanky lead guard had an up-and-down rookie season and was relegated to spot minutes. This offseason, the Wizards weren’t assured that they had a reliable backup for their superstar point guard John Wall, so they traded for Tim Frazier.

Satoransky, a typical European developmental project, is highly regarded because of his upside and potential. He wasn’t expected to see much playing time again this year as Frazier (a four-year veteram) was the presumed back up for Wall.

It’s been quite an eventful December for the Wiz, as Wall was sidelined for the past two weeks, due to knee injury. Frazier served as his fill-in. While Satoransky was his backup. But it was the latter, who flashed more during Wall’s absence.

The “Wallstar” returned in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Rightfully so, both guards returned to the bench. But when it was time for Wall to sit near the end of the opening quarter, it was Satoransky who saw the floor. He played 15 minutes to Frazier’s five.

Here’s why coach Coach Scott Brooks needs to stick with “Sato”, as their first guard off the bench.

Sato Provides Ball Security

The Wizards have had a habit of being sloppy, leading to bad basketball. Satoransky proved that he can be trusted to run the offense, albeit in limited action. But it’s this trust that has earned him more minutes.

In the nine games Wall missed, Satoransky posted 40 assists and just two turnovers. By comparison, Frazier tallied 30 assists and nine turnovers.

According to Basketball Reference, Sato’s turnover percentage (per 100 possessions) this season is only 9.4. While Frazier’s turnover percentage is 26.6.

Satoransky has shown composure, consistency and control when he’s manned the Wizards’ offense. Those attributes can be the difference between winning and losing on most nights in this league.

Couple the ball security with the fact, that his overall game has improved this year, it makes it hard to keep the blossoming guard off the floor.

Versatility

At 6’7″, with a long wingspan and above average athleticism, Satoransky has always had the physical tools to be a useful guard in the NBA. He can dribble, shoot, create, rebound and defend with ease.

This all came together on December 1, when the sophomore guard scored a career-high 17 points off the bench, in a win over the Detroit Pistons.

The win against the Pistons provided an introduction to the casual fan, who didn’t know much about his game.

Bradley Beal spoke to reporters about Satoransky’s impact after his career night:

"“I feel like his size helps out a lot because he’s able to switch a lot. He rebounds really well. He knocks down those 3’s…he’s capable of a lot of things. He’s able to get to the basket. It was just a matter of him getting that opportunity, man, and he took full advantage of it.”"

Washington’s offense is in good hands when Satoransky is on the floor. So far, the team’s posted a 129 offensive rating when he plays.

The teammates and coaches have heaped high praises not only on his production, but also his ability to compete at a high level as soon as he touches the floor.

High Energy and Hustle

The fancy numbers and analytics are cute. But to truly highlight Satoransky’s impact, you have to pay attention to his actions when on the court.

He’s a guy who knows his role and approaches every possession like it could be his last.

That’s why you’ll see him dive for loose balls, or like in this clip, anticipate misses and create scoring opportunities.

Coach Brooks has some tough choices ahead, as he decides how to position his team for optimal success approaching the heart of the season. The backup point guard rotation shouldn’t be one of them. With Satoransky’s outstanding play of late, the decision has been made.

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