Washington Wizards: Which of the 22 Players in the NBA Draft Green Room Will They Draft?
By Ethan Smith
Just Not the Right Fit
17) Nic Claxton
Claxton is hoping to ride the momentum from his breakout sophomore season that garnered him a second team All-SEC selection. HIs size (6’11 with a 7’2 wingspan) and ability defend on the perimeter are great, but can’t outweigh other deficiencies to justify drafting him at nine.
16) Tyler Herro
Two words you never want to hear in the NBA Draft: negative wingspan. Herro can shoot the lights out, though, and has excellent immeasurables. He’s just not the right call at nine.
15) Romeo Langford
Langford is a fun point guard prospect, but he struggles to shoot the ball from three (27.2 percent). Whether that number is accurate of his ability, or a product of the thumb injury he sustained at Indiana, it’s not exactly clear. But the Wizards need more shooting, not less.
14) Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Alexander-Walker won’t wow you with his athleticism or explosiveness, but he’s a super solid combo guard that does a lot of things really well even if he’s not exceptional at any one. He falls just outside the Wizards’ range, though, and is probably a mid to late first-rounder.
13) PJ Washington
Washington was impressive in his one year at Kentucky, earning a selection to the All-American second team as a freshman. But he didn’t show enough to propel himself into top-ten status.
12) Goga Bitadze
Bitadze is the top European prospect in this year’s draft, but he doesn’t represent the modern, stretch fives that are becoming more and more popular in the NBA. He could help out with some much-needed rim protection, however, and is excellent in the pick and roll, which could be fun to watch once Wall returns.