5 common rebuilding mistakes the Washington Wizards must avoid

No. 4 Choosing fit over potential

In the history of the NBA, it has been very rare for players drafted for ‘fit’ rather than potential to pan out properly. This has been a common mistake made since the NBA was a new league.

This mistake nearly always leads to failure like the Minnesota Timberwolves’ draft in 2009 or Darko Milicic in 2003. The most egregious example of this was in the 1984 when Sam Bowie was selected ahead of former Wizard Michael Jordan. While there has not been anything even close to as bad as this selection, and likely never will be, it is the prime example of why potential is better than fit.

Even recently, it has continuously bit teams. In 2013, a famously weak class, the Cleveland Cavaliers had their backcourt of the future in Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters leading them to select Anthony Bennett over future All-Star Victor Oladipo.

Even as recently as this draft, Scoot Henderson was the big favorite all to be the second overall pick in the draft all year. However, the Charlotte Hornets selected Brandon Miller as he fit better with the roster featuring LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier.

If the roster already has plenty of young talent at every position but one, and there are no players in that position available in that draft range, the Wizards should trade down to take them. This allows them to get their guy and also extra compensation, likely another draft selection.