The Washington Wizards did a fantastic job revamping their roster, adding young talent to most positions. However, they are still lacking in depth at center and could use an additional big man to strengthen their rotation.
Ideally, the new center should be able to provide something their current centers Daniel Gafford and Mike Muscala can’t provide. This could be passing, playmaking, speed, quickness, or the ability to guard multiple positions. A different playing style and skill set would add to Washington’s versatility on both ends of the floor.
Fortunately for the Washington Wizards, centers are easier to acquire than every other position. With the changing game in the NBA, there are plenty of talented big men who have been squeezed out of a role in the league. The Wizards can capitalize on this by offering playing time to under-the-radar centers.
The critical goal for such a move is to acquire players who are still young and can develop. They should fit the Wizards’ timeline and grow with the team.
However, the Wizards should still prioritize maintaining their financial and asset flexibility. They shouldn’t give up significant assets for a center, especially if they are not on a bargain deal.
Therefore, the right profile is a young center on a good contract who brings something different to the table. Let’s explore a few options that fit that bill.
Jericho Sims
One player who fits that bill perfectly is Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks. Sims is on a minimum contract for the 2023-24 season and has a team option for $2 million for the season after. The 24-year-old has shown intriguing flashes in his limited minutes in his first two years in the NBA.
The 6’10 center is one of the most athletic big men in the league. He is an excellent lob threat and a fantastic finisher around the rim.
Unfortunately for Sims, he will never get the playing time he desires in New York as he is the fourth big in the hierarchy after Julius Randle, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Mitchell Robinson. This makes him gettable for the Wizards. They should not miss this opportunity.
Zeke Nnaji
Another big man with potential who can’t find a rotation role in his current team is Zeke Nnaji. The 22-year-old combo big was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the first of the 2020 NBA Draft but hasn’t had a chance to crack the rotation in the crowded frontcourt of the 2023 NBA Champions.
The 6’9 power forward & center has good length, mobility, and strength. He has shot an impressive 38% from three in his NBA career and has shown flashes of switchability and rim protection on the defensive end. He has the potential to turn into an intriguing two-way player.
Centers that can space the floor with their shooting while being able to defend reasonably well are rare specimens. On paper, Nnaji fits that description. His skill level is high as he can do a little bit of everything.
He will also never get enough of a chance in Denver as he is behind Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic in the rotation. With the departure of Jeff Green, there will be more of a role for him next season, but considering that the Nuggets have championship aspirations, they may move on from the playoff-unproven Nnaji.
He should be relatively easily gettable as Denver coach Michael Malone has not shown that he fully trusts Nnaji. One team’s loss could be the Washington Wizards’ treasure.
Kenneth Lofton Jr.
One of the most unique players in the NBA, Lofton Jr. hasn’t been able to convert his high school, college, and national team success to the NBA so far. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Lofton Jr. has been with the Memphis Grizzlies and signed a guaranteed contract at the end of the 2022-23 season. He is still unlikely to play a role for Memphis in the immediate future.
The 20-year-old combo big is behind Jaren Jackson Jr, Steven Adams, Xavier Tillman, and Santi Aldama in the big man rotation. Considering the Grizzlies’ playoff ambitions and deep roster, they presumably will not have the playing time and patience necessary for Lofton Jr’s development.
And Lofton Jr. certainly needs the playing time for his development. With his 6’7 and 275-pound frame, he needs to figure out how to use his body in the NBA. After dominating in the lower levels and younger age groups with his physical style of play, Lofton Jr. needs to adapt to the pace and space of the NBA. For that, he needs a team like the Washington Wizards to trust him with a steady rotation role.
Lofton Jr. is a very talented offensive player. Not only is he one of the strongest players in the league, but he can also shoot, pass and make plays. He would certainly add a different offensive dimension to the Wizards. His defense is certainly a work in progress but as a 20-year-old with a high basketball IQ, there is a chance he ends up being a passable defender.
Regardless of whether Lofton Jr. can take the next leap in his career, having him on the roster will add to Washington’s watchability. A player with very unique strengths and clear limitations, he is one of the most fascinating prospects in the league. And that is worth taking a flyer on for the Wizards.