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Washington Wizards: Wizards NBA Draft Outlook Ahead of March Madness

By Frank J. Platko

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball on offense against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 69-68. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball on offense against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 69-68. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball on offense against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 69-68. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes handles the ball on offense against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 69-68. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards opted to hold onto their first and second round picks at the trade deadline this year. With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, what are some of the team’s biggest needs in the 2018 draft?

Although the NBA draft is not until June, Washington Wizards fans should be excited about the prospects of acquiring young talent. The Wizards last draft selections came in 2015, when Ernie Grunfield traded up to select Kelly Oubre Jr. with the 15th overall pick.

The Wizards also selected former Iowa forward Aaron White in the second round of the 2015 draft. White struggled in the summer league and has yet to play an NBA game after going overseas. While it’s early, it appears he’ll join Jan Vesely, Chris Singleton and many others as another failed draft selection.

However, the team has also had several draft successes. The Wizards have a young, talented core of drafted players that includes the trio of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter, Jr.

While Oubre and Tomas Satoransky are also looking like future building blocks amidst breakout seasons.

With two draft picks at their expense, Grunfield and the Wizards’ front office have a good opportunity to add talent and address holes in the roster. Barring any drastic seeding changes late in the season, their first round pick is likely to fall somewhere in the 18-22 range.

What are the team’s biggest areas of need, and who are some potential prospects the Wizards could target?

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