Washington Wizards Free Agency: Wizards Timeline of July 2, 2018 Free Agency, Without Mike Scott

While fans are waiting for the Washington Wizards to make a seismic move in free agency, Mike Scott has joined the Clippers.

Here’s a brief timeline of Wizards free agency moves on July 2, 2018:

Austin Rivers

On Monday, the Washington Wizards introduced Austin Rivers during a noon-day press conference. The former Clipper, acquired in exchange for Marcin Gortat, looked forward to a new beginning out of his father’s shadow.

The combo guard said, it was emotional for his dad, coach Doc Rivers, to discuss the trade to Washington.

However, Rivers is about to be a father himself, and welcomes the fresh start. As he also welcomes a baby due this summer, with his high school sweetheart and fiance.

(Here’s the full press conference).

However, the Wizards day did not much brighter after the Rivers’ introduction.

Nerlens Noel

Unrestricted free agent Nerlens Noel had narrowed his choices down to the Lakers, the Thunder and the Wizards. There was also speculation that the Pelicans had interest in the athletic big.

Then it was reported, that Noel chose to play with the Thunder on a vet minimum.

According to David Aldridge, OKC coach Billy Donovan ‘contacted Noel immediately Saturday morning, along with star power help from  Russell Westbrook and Paul George.’

Mike Scott

Ok, Noel is no longer available. But what about the Wizards “top priority” Mike Scott.

Last week, I detailed the reasons why the Wizards should keep the forward, Can the Wizards keep Mike Scott?  The article also touched upon the need for Coach Scott Brooks to manage minutes and manage egos. Neither was done last season.

Thus, I argued that Scott should’ve started in some games.

The unrestricted free agent had a breakout season in Washington. Could they keep their bench player who also provided quality minutes, and was a lightning rod in the their offense?

Who also closed out games for Washington when they went small?

Or would Scott go the way of Bojan Bogdanovic, and go to the highest bidder?

Then boom, Scott will be joining Gortat on the Clippers. That’s really disappointing because he really gave the Wizards life last season.

Thomas Bryant

Right after the Scott announcement, the Wizards picked up Thomas Bryant who was waived from the Lakers.

Bryant averaged 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in 15 games in LA last season. The 20-year old center didn’t see much playing time with the Lakers.

What plans does Washington have for Bryant?  It remains to be seen. Or does it?

Julius Randle?

The Lakers weren’t done, because they also renounced the rights to Julius Randle on Monday. But shortly thereafter, he was picked up by the Pelicans.

DeMarcus Cousins appears off the table as well. Although he probably never was for Washington, because of their salary cap situation.

Aldridge also believes, that the Lakers are clearing space to add Cousins.

Update:

Cousins narrowed his choices to Boston or Golden State, ultimately choosing the Warriors.

Wizards Frontcourt

Without Mike Scott or Gortat, the Wizards have two spaces in the frontcourt to fill.

It’s very disappointing that Washington was unable to retain Scott. That is an understatement. He was a weapon for this team.

Maybe Grunfeld hasn’t pulled out the chessboard yet, but for now your starting center is Ian Mahinmi.

Washington appears to be in no rush to fill out their roster. So we patiently wait.

What about the King?

Although, LeBron James is with the Lakers, and the East is wide open. That doesn’t mean Washington has an easy road to their conference finals.

The King didn’t prevent Washington from reaching the ECF, the Wizards did that all by themselves.

There’s always hope for this team, because hope springs eternal. But John Wall‘s youth does not.

Free agency isn’t over, but we’re still waiting for Plan A.