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Washington Wizards 2018 NBA Draft: Surprise 15th Overall Pick is Troy Brown, Jr.

By Jen Julie Smith

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 7: Troy Brown Jr. #5 of the USA Junior Select Team defends against the World Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 7: Troy Brown Jr. #5 of the USA Junior Select Team defends against the World Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich) /
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With the 15th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Troy Brown, Jr. of Oregon. Fans were surprised, as many were looking for Michael Porter, Jr., but let’s take a look at the newest member of the DC Family.

The 2018 NBA Draft was a night full of surprises. Michael Porter, Jr. going at 14 to the Denver Nuggets was chief among them.

However, the Washington Wizards surprised many when they selected Troy Brown, Jr. of Oregon, with their 15th overall pick.

Some fans were disappointed that the Suns snagged Porter before the Wizards had a chance. The reason for Porter’s slide was due to his medical records.

Even if Porter was still available at 15, here’s what David Aldridge had to say:

While I was live tweeting the draft, I had this to say:

I tweeted my observation after seeing Porter walk down the steps during player introductions. However, I promised some Wizards fans, that I would reveal who I meant in this write up.

I believe in medical miracles, and hope that Porter will have a great NBA career. It’s just that the Wizards have a short period of time to make a serious run with both John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Therefore, even if Porter is at full potential in two years, the Wizards don’t have the luxury of time to wait like other teams have in the past (i.e. Philadelphia/Boston).

But this is about our newest Wizards member. Although Brown wasn’t at the draft when the Wizards called his number, here’s what we know about the newest member of the #DC Family – Troy Brown, Jr.

He’s versatile and although he’ll be a wing player, he can also play the two. Being able to play small forward and shooting guard is a win for Washington.

But it provides a bit of a glut with Kelly Oubre, Jr. as the backup to Otto Porter, Jr.

So it’s Otto, Jr., then Kelly, Jr, and then Brown, Jr. – Jr., Jr. Jr.

Which leads me to believe that Oubre will have to fight for position, which is not a bad thing. Or Brown not receiving a lot of minutes his rookie year.

However, after Porter was unable to play in a pivotal elimination game against the Raptors, it was abundantly clear that the Wizards needed more wings.

Being a versatile player, Brown will also be able to back up Beal. That was another problem with the Raptors series, Beal didn’t have reliable backup.

In addition, Jodie Meeks, due to his suspension, will miss 19 games next season.

On its face, the Wizards got a two-for-one deal. Hopefully, coach Scott Brooks can identify Brown’s strengths early on, so he can have an immediate impact in Washington. That’s not too much to ask, and the young wing appears ready for the challenge.

Here’s a perfect opportunity for Brooks to mold a rookie, and bring out the best in him.

In his one year at Oregon, Brown averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assist per game.

According to NBA Advanced Stats, he did most of his shooting as a “spot up shooter, but also made efficient contributions as a passer and ball handler in pick and roll and transition situations.”

Here’s President Ernie Grunfeld in his own words on why they selected Brown:

I still believe that getting a big is the Wizards number-one priority. Nonetheless, like others watching the draft, I didn’t see Michael Porter being within Washington’s reach.

If they were unable to get a big with their 15th pick, I wrote last week in Fansided‘s mock draft, that they should get a backup shooting guard in Donte DiVincenzo. The Wizards organization must have had good reasons why he wasn’t on their radar, so no second-guessing on my part.

However, they still addressed the shooting guard position with Brown. He also impressed them with his pre-draft workout. It appears they like his professionalism as much as his skills.

One area that the combine noted, was that Brown has to work on his vertical leap. From his reaction below, it appears he’s already started. Welcome to Washington!

Although Troy Brown was a surprise pick, let’s wait and see, because he may surprise us all. I’m excited to see what he has up his sleeves for the 2018-19 NBA Season.

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