Wiz of Awes
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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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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 25:Ian Mahinmi #28 and Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards pose for a portrait during Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Capital One 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 – SEPTEMBER 25:Ian Mahinmi #28 and Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards pose for a portrait during Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Capital One 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) /

Wizards’ Center Position

The Wizards have a lot of money tied up to the center position, which is problematic considering it’s the weakest area on the roster.

Marcin Gortat is having his worst season as a Washington Wizard. Averaging just 8.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 0.7 BPG in roughly 26 minutes per game, Gortat is showing the effects of age. He provides minimal defensive impact, and doesn’t have the athleticism to compete with modern-day big men in the NBA.

At age 33, he’s publicly stated that he intends to retire in the near-future, and hopes to do so with the Orlando Magic. With only one year left on his contract after this season, Gortat will likely be gone.

This leaves Ian Mahinmi and Jason Smith as the only true centers on the roster. Mahinmi provides a solid defensive and rebounding presence, but leaves much to be desired on offense and consistently struggles with foul trouble. Both Mahinmi and Smith will be 32 years old next season.

The Wizards have longed lacked a young, athletic presence around the rim, and should look to address that need in the upcoming draft.

Potential Prospects: Robert Williams (Texas A&M, Sophomore), Jontay Porter (Missouri, Freshman)

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