Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Why Jason Smith is on roster bubble

By Ben Vasconcellos

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards poses during media day at Entertainment and Sports Arena on September 24, 2018 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.(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards poses during media day at Entertainment and Sports Arena on September 24, 2018 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.(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jason Smith has played well for the Washington Wizards, but past experience might not be enough for him to be a lock to make the roster.

Washington Wizards center, Jason Smith, exercised his player option on his contract to return for the 2018-19 season this offseason. Smith, 32, will be back for his third season with the Wizards. He signed a three-year contract worth $16 million in the summer of 2016 to join Washington as a free agent.

It’s no question that Smith has been a solid center not just for the Wizards, but every team that he’s played for. For the past two seasons, Smith has been the primary back up for Marcin Gortat at the center position. Ian Mahinmi has been on the Wizards roster for the past two years as well, but has been mostly injured throughout that time.

Unfortunately for Smith, Mahinmi is full healthy and looks great. It doesn’t just end there, the team signed dominant big man, Dwight Howard to assume the starting center responsibilities. And Thomas Bryant has show tremendous promise during the preseason. This puts Smith in an awkward position heading into the regular season.

During the past four games of preseason, Smith has shown that he still deserves not only a roster spot, but playing time as well. He’s averaged 11 points and 4.7 rebounds in about 18. 5 minutes per game during this time.

This is exactly the kind of production that any team would be looking for in a big man off the bench. The challenges just might be to hard for Smith to overcome. Like I’ve said previously, the Wizards have arguably constructed the deepest roster that they’ve had over the past decade. Smith is going up against younger talent with length and versatility, which might cause the end to be in sight.

On the positive side, Smith is one of the best players on the current Wizards roster at spacing the floor. He can consistently knock down the open jump shot and is good at the pick and pop plays. Veteran leadership is vital role that is largely overlooked when predicting or assembling a roster and Smith brings that presence.

Smith is entering his 11th season in the NBA. He’s been a serviceable center throughout each season. The Wizards are going to have to make a tough decision here soon.

Should the team start investing in some of the young talent like Thomas Bryant and give them those end of the bench minutes?  The team can carry 12 active players per game. Right now he’s in competition for that last roster spot.

Bryant, Devin Robinson, and Jodie Meeks are all candidates to steal that last spot. Meeks not so much at the beginning of the season due to his suspension for a drug violation, but he’s a streaking 3-point shooter that is going to benefit from this quicker offense.

Despite all this, Smith will end up starting the season on the active roster. Both Howard and Bryant have injuries which will cause them to miss some time at the beginning of the season. So, for now, Smith’s job is safe. But, don’t be surprised if later he is added to the inactive spot once these individuals come back from injury.

If Smith keeps playing well then he shouldn’t be to concerned. I believe he should be on the active roster throughout the regular season. He’s a solid veteran that, when in the game, will make limited mistakes and give you solid production.

Home/Wizards News