After an action-packed 40 days, the Washington Wizards’ roster is finally almost set.
From re-signing key free agents, adding new veteran pieces, and, of course, their franchise-altering selection at first overall, Washington has been busy this offseason. And yet, after all those moves, one remains: filling their 15th roster spot.
With plenty of options on the open market and a plethora of needs, the Wizards face a tough decision. Will Dawkins and his team must find a player to assist the team’s emerging young core, while also balancing well with the team’s new star veterans.
Amidst the tough decision, here are a few available players who could make an impact for Washington as their 15th man.
F Spencer Jones, Denver Nuggets (RFA)
Jones is a bit of a reach, largely expected to resign with the Denver Nuggets. But every day that goes by without a deal for the young forward makes it seem as if he could be available for another team.
It makes sense that the big man would hold out to receive his full value on a new deal, given the season he had. Although his counting statistics didn’t stand out, he served as an effective rebounder with Nikola Jokic out, and a strong defender at the perimeter.
Jones could add a level of toughness that Washington sorely lacks. His skill set would fit perfectly next to their young core, a player who can make his impact felt without the ball in his hands. If he truly is considering exiting Denver, Washington should heavily consider pursuing.
G Aaron Holiday, Houston Rockets (UFA)
The Wizards are reportedly looking to fill their last slot with a backup point guard, as they attempt to balance Trae Young’s injury history.
It’s a decision which is certainly debatable; the Wizards still have plenty of room to grow in their frontcourt. If the team opts to go down this path, though, there might not be a better option than Holiday.
When asked to serve as Houston’s backup point guard, the 29-year-old was more than serviceable last season, shooting 39.4% from 3 and playing solid defense. He was also viewed as a key piece of the team’s locker room, cited often for his leadership with the team.
With a young, developing guard room, Holiday could give the Wizards exactly what they need: stability and leadership as they continue to develop.
G Tre White, Miami Heat (Summer League standout)
White is a bit of an unknown name, an undrafted rookie who has yet to play an NBA minute. But given Washington’s need for versatility in their backcourt, the Heat guard could be a worthwhile project for the team.
White looked fantastic as an off-ball guard at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 17.3 points per game on 40% shooting from 3-point range. His strength as a cutter and as a catch-and-shoot player would fit perfectly next to the Wizards’ young ball-dominant guards.
The real benefit of the 23-year-old, however, would be his defensive potential. He showed the traits of a physical perimeter defender and a great rebounder during his time in Vegas.
White’s skills would ease the burden placed on Bilal Coulibaly on the perimeter and help hide Trae Young and Tre Johnson defensively.
Washington signing White would be unlikely, given he will almost certainly be offered a two-way deal instead of a standard contract, and probably by Miami. But the Wizards’ options in free agency are running thin near the end of free agency.
Perhaps the team would be willing to convert Felix Okpara or Jamir Watkins to a standard deal in order to clear room for White. Getting such a talented young player in the building would be a serious boost, especially in comparison to some older, less skilled options.
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