Washington Wizards: 4 free agent big men to target

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Drew Eubanks

If the Wizards don’t want to spend too much of their cap space, one player who they could presumably get for slightly above the minimum is Drew Eubanks. The 26-year-old center may not be as skilled as Dario Saric or as athletic as Paul Reed, but he can provide valuable defense and toughness.

Eubanks, who moved to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021-22 season has impressed over the last year and a half as a reliable big man. Although mostly utilized as a backup, he moved into the starting lineup during the absences of Jusuf Nurkic and held his own. In fact, in the 28 games as a starter last season, he averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 25 minutes.

Eubanks is not going to put up incredible numbers or bring the house down with his offensive production. What he will do instead is solid and consistent production, mostly on the defensive end. He can rebound the ball, protect the rim, and offer size, toughness, and interior presence. He doesn’t have the range or the touch offensively, but he is physical, will get on the offensive boards, and finish around the rim.

For barely more than the minimum contract, you can do a lot worse than Eubanks. In the case of an injury or a potential trade of Daniel Gafford, Eubanks would provide some stability and security as a spot starter, making him worth a flyer.

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