Washington Wizards: 3 Players that should be re-signed this offseason

No. 2 – Raul Neto

I have to admit it. I owe Raul Neto an apology. I was skeptical when the Wizards decided to sign him to a one-year deal worth $1.9 million this past offseason. However, he quickly proved to be one of the best bargain signings of the season. When injuries hampered Russell Westbrook during the season, Raul Neto stepped up big! His play was a big reason why the Wizards didn’t completely sink multiple times this season.

Neto entered the year as the third point guard in the rotation, but he started 22 out of 64 games. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game as a starter. These numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they’re pretty impressive for a player who was an afterthought for the national media and most fans. In his first season with the WIzards, Neto set career-highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and steals per game. It’s only right to run it back one more time, right?

That seems like the most logical move if you ask me. Ish Smith, who will be an unrestricted free agent as well, probably won’t be back in a Wizards uniform next season. Smith is going into his 12th season, and after spending two years in D.C., it’s best for both sides to move on.

Bringing Neto back after his showing this past year is the right way to go. He had a fantastic season, but I highly doubt that he’s priced himself out of a deal to remain in Washington. A two or three-year deal with an option on the last year sounds perfect.