If the Washington Wizards land a top ten draft pick in this year’s lottery, it might be best to trade it away.
Although the NBA season has not been officially canceled, we’ve likely seen the end of things for the Washington Wizards after 64 games. They haven’t played since March 10, and salvaging the season seems impossible.
But as the NFL proved, drafts can still happen during this unprecedented time, even if games can’t. Multiple mock drafts have the Wizards taking either Obi Toppin or Onyeka Okongwu with the 9th pick in this year’s upcoming NBA draft. But should the Washington Wizards trade this year’s draft pick? I believe so. Here’s why.
Early in the season, the Washington Wizards refused to play defense at an elite level. As the season went on, the team began to show more effort, most notably after the trade deadline. But it was too little too late and still not all that impressive, although appreciably better.
The Wizards allowed 51.7 points in the paint before the season’s hiatus, ranking them 26th out of the 30 NBA teams. To put that number into perspective, the Houston Rockets allowed 51.5 points in the paint while playing with a small lineup and no real rim protector for most of the season. The Wizards went with a more traditional route and still gave up more points down low. Conclusion: the Wizards should add a dominant center with this year’s draft. But they should do it via trade, not via pick.
Although players like Toppin and Okongwu could become NBA stars someday, a solid veteran center would be the better option for a Wizards team looking to compete next year, not three to five years down the road.
Rui Hachimura has shown promise as a rookie, solidifying his starting spot going into next season. Obi Toppin would either challenge that or allow Rui Hachimura to play a more traditional role at the SF position, giving the Wizards depth and length.
A potential starting lineup of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura, and Obi Toppin looks good on paper, but without a solid big man, the Wizards would still lack a dominant paint presence. Is this a risk they can afford to take? I don’t think so.
If a trade is available that would allow the Wizards to obtain a solid big man – someone like Myles Turner, Rudy Gobert, or Tristan Thompson – I believe they should take it. The Wizards have lacked a solid big man since Marcin Gortat‘s departure in 2018. Although Thomas Bryant is a great young find for a rebuilding franchise, a veteran would be the better move for this team in 2020.
With a team trying to rebuild their culture and identity either direction isn’t a bad option. But one is better than the other.