Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 3 players who may not make it to the season opener

By Cem Yolbulan

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Delon Wright #55 and Anthony Gill #16 of the Washington Wizards react during the fourth quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on October 10, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Delon Wright #55 and Anthony Gill #16 of the Washington Wizards react during the fourth quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on October 10, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards currently have 16 players on the roster. They need to get it down to 15 before the start of the regular season on October 24th. If they want to bring in Tristan Vukcevic or sign a free agent before that date, they will have to cut or trade at least one player with a guaranteed contract on the roster.

There are a few candidates that are less likely to be on the roster come regular-season opener than others:

(Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images) /

Delon Wright

The 31-year-old combo guard was one of the most impactful players for the Washington Wizards last season. With his tenacity, strength, and defense, he added much-needed intensity to the Wizards. However, he may be rather superfluous for the 2023-24 Wizards.

Wright doesn’t fit the Wizards’ timeline, especially considering that his contract is expiring at the end of the season. He fits better on a playoff team as a defense-first guard off the bench. It would make sense for Washington to move him for draft compensation or a younger player.

Not only does Wright not make sense for the Wizards age-wise, but he is also not necessary in the rotation full of backcourt players. With Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, Johnny Davis, Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, Landry Shamet, and Ryan Rollins all expecting playing time in the backcourt next season, it will be hard to find sufficient minutes for Wright.

One benefit to keeping Wright around would be for mentorship and veteran leadership. Wright is a consummate professional and can set a good example for the young Wizards. His ability to play the either guard position and take on the tough defensive assignments next to Poole or Jones would be beneficial if Washington decided to keep him around. Yet, it might be mutually beneficial for both sides if they both moved on in the offseason.

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