2020 NBA Free Agency: Grading all three moves the Washington Wizards made on day one
By Ethan Smith
The Washington Wizards were active on night one of free agency. Will any of their moves pay off once the 2020-21 season starts?
The Washington Wizards were busy during the first night of free agency. Before the John Wall trade demands set everything on fire, the Wizards were hard at work, adding and re-signing players for the 2020-21 season. With expectations high for next season, the Wizards have their work cut out for them as they try to establish a competitive roster in the Eastern Conference.
But just because the Wizards made some moves, it doesn’t mean they made the right moves. Let’s take a look at their three moves from day one of free agency. Did they get it right?
Free Agency Move #1: Sign Anthony Gill
The Washington Wizards kicked off their 2020 free agency season with a signing that almost nobody expected. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Wizards’ first move of the night, a move that made everybody say ‘who?’
Free agent PF Anthony Gill has agreed to a two-year deal with the Washington Wizards, agent Sean Kennedy of
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
@excelsm_bball tells ESPN. Gill played in Khimki of the EuroLeague last season.
For Washington Wizards fans living in and around D.C., Gill’s name may ring a bell. The 28-year-old power forward was a standout member of the Virginia Cavaliers’ men’s team from 2013 through 2016. During that time, Gill was named to two All-ACC teams and two All-ACC tourney teams.
Related Story. Wizards sign PF Anthony Gill. light
Although solid in college, Gill never panned out at the NBA level and has spent the last three seasons with BC Khimki playing in the EuroLeague. Overseas, Gill was an incredibly efficient scorer and added a three-point shot to his game. He averaged 10.5 points per game on 57 percent shooting during his three-year EuroLeague career. He also shot 40.6 percent from three (2.2 attempts/game).
Gill is a low-risk, high(ish)-reward gamble that won’t cost the Wizards much. GM Tommy Sheppard found an international diamond in the rough that could give them a few serviceable seasons if it works out. If not, oh well.