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Wizards’ Best Options at the 10th Pick

By Noel Guerra

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 01: Mascot G-Wiz of the Washington Wizards performs before the game against the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena on January 1, 2020 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 01: Mascot G-Wiz of the Washington Wizards performs before the game against the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena on January 1, 2020 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The NBA draft lottery came and told us where the Washington Wizards will be selecting. They ended up receiving the 10th pick for the upcoming draft.

There was somewhat of a disappointment that the Wizards did not move into the top four of the draft, but that does not mean that they cannot acquire a talented prospect. The draft combine just finished up and it is time for the Wizards to scout some individual players at workouts.

Some have already arrived to begin their workouts, with the Wizards fully prepared to meet with them.

https://twitter.com/cmillsnbcs/status/1528762567115653122?s=20&t=_CO9yw8Hf3ghfAHRWQKE7A

The Wizards have not received the 10th pick in quite some time; 2003 being the last time the Wizards held this spot in the draft. The 10th selection has had it’s fair share of talented players chosen. Some key players on playoff teams were selected at that pick, such as Mikal Bridges and C.J. McCollum.

We have also seen stars taken at 10, such as Paul George and former Washington Wizards All-Star, Caron Butler. This could be an important pick for the future of this franchise. Now all that remains is who is the best choice with the 10th overall pick?

3. Bennedict Mathurin – G, Arizona 

One of the top players in college basketball this past year was Bennedict Mathurin out of Arizona. He helped Arizona return to prominence, as they were a one seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Mathurin stands at 6’6 and can shoot at a high clip. His athleticism also stands out as a big contributor to his draft stock.

The Canadian guard shot 37% from three, while being excellent as a cutter. Another bright spot is his willingness to impact the game with effort. He showed in the tournament that he is determined and will go hard at all times.

However, his ball-handling and playmaking skills could come into question. He might need to tighten that up before he enters the NBA.

The 10th pick would not be a bad time to select someone like Mathurin, who obtains a nice upside.

2. Johnny Davis – G, Wisconsin

Entering the 2021-22 college basketball season, nobody had Johnny Davis on their radar. However, he turned into one of the best scorers in the nation.

Davis possesses a nice frame that goes along with his two-way style of play. He is capable defender that can work well in a nice defensive system.

The biggest positive is his scoring ability. Despite only shooting 30.6% from three, he can find a way to score in bunches.

Davis can get his points in a variety of ways, which will help him at the next level. The ceiling might not be too high for him, but at the 10th pick, there might not be a better option.

1. Dyson Daniels – G/F, G-League Ignite 

An interesting talent in this draft has to be Dyson Daniels. The 19 year old Australian is moving up draft boards by the minute it seems.

He has reportedly grown to 6’8 with a 6’11 wingspan. For such a young player, he is already capable of playing very good defense at the next level.

Daniels commands a lot of space, but has a good motor that helps him feel like he is everywhere on the defensive end. Furthermore, he can be able to facilitate and playmake within an offense.

He does struggle with his shot, but that can be fixed with the proper training. His athleticism and defensive prowess can make him go even higher in the draft.

The upside is impossible to bypass. The Wizards might need to take this chance at the10th pick if Daniels falls there.

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