Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Healthy roster provides valuable flexibility for the Washington Wizards

By Jack Skolnik

WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 4: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards gets introduced before the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 4, 2019 at Capital One Arena 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 4: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards gets introduced before the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 4, 2019 at Capital One Arena 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Troy Brown Jr. C.J. Miles
Washington Wizards Troy Brown Jr. C.J. Miles (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who is going to play Small Forward?

Let’s dive right in. The starting small forward position is where things begin to get a little tricky (in a good way). With Troy Brown returning to action last week, many assume that he will end up as the starting small forward sooner rather than later.

Brown had arguably the best game of his career in the win over Detroit. His first career double-double showed exactly why some pundits, including himself, have compared his game to Andre Iguodala. Brown does all the little things well. He plays defense, is a good rebounder for his size, can handle the ball, and sees the floor very well. In just the second game of his sophomore season, all of that was on display.

In his place, Isaac Bonga has done a solid job up to this point filling in as the starting small forward. However, he is probably better suited for a bench role. Bonga is still learning the NBA game on the job. Having another long, positionless player like Bonga could be very effective coming off the bench for this team.

CJ Miles, who made his Wizards debut in the win over the Pistons, and scored 12 points on 3-8 shooting. He could also be in the small forward mix as a veteran presence on the starting unit. Miles, showed almost immediately that he can be a very effective 3 and D wing. Even in year 15, he’s still knocking down shots and locking up on defense.

The Wizards have three capable candidates for the small forward position. Don’t be surprised to see Brooks experimenting with each of them on both the starting and second units.

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