In a span of just half an hour, the entire trajectory of the Washington Wizards’ franchise changed. Winning the NBA Draft Lottery has gifted Washington the opportunity to make the first pick, a decision that could instantly shift the tides for a struggling organization.
Even if earning the first pick carries the opportunity for a huge organizational boost, there certainly is equal potential for disaster.
Franchises like the Toronto Raptors(Andrea Bargnani) and Cleveland Cavaliers(Anthony Bennett) can certainly tell you that the #1 pick doesn’t guarantee success.
With the pressure on for Washington, a heavy debate has emerged over their choice. Many experts point to BYU’s AJ Dybantsa as the best fit or Darryn Peterson’s high ceiling.
The best choice, however, may be flying under the radar.
Duke’s Cam Boozer provides a maturity and proven talent that the Wizards desperately need, as they push for relevance next season.
The star’s NBA-readiness makes him Washington’s best option at No.1, a potential game-changer for the future.
Cameron Boozer has the draft’s highest floor
When it comes to proven production, no player in this draft holds a candle to Boozer. The big man was named the Naismith Player of the Year after a spectacular freshman season, averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Like with any prospect, questions will emerge as to how the former Blue Devil will translate. Given his specific skill set, however, this shouldn’t be much of a concern.
Boozer’s efficiency at all 3 levels has stood out amongst the draft class, shooting 55% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. Shooting is one of the rare skills that easily transfers from the NCAA to the NBA game, a factor not affected by the pro game’s greater physicality.
Even if they have high upside, both of Boozer’s competitors for the top pick have serious concerns. Peterson dealt with injury woes throughout his college career, and Dybantsa’s shot was inconsistent at best.
By offering a proven floor as a scorer, the Duke big man promises to have a relative floor as a competent stretch-big in the NBA. Even if he doesn’t reach the same heights as his uber-athletic competitors for the top spot, chances are he’ll be a key contributor at the NBA level.
The big man's IQ will aid Washington
The pure talent of Boozer on offense makes him a tantalizing choice, a player who could make an immediate franchise-wide impact. But it’s the star’s basketball intelligence that makes him stand out amongst the rest.
Boozer’s ability to hunt for mismatches was crucial to his time at Duke. Often, the team asked him to roam the rim and make the right decisions, a challenge he accepted eagerly.
The star’s court awareness would fit well in Washington, a team in dire need of the trait on both ends of the floor. Trae Young has been known to be turnover-prone throughout his career, and Washington ranked just 28th in assist/turnover ratio this season.
Taking the Duke star would ease the on-ball pressure on Young, adding another passer and spacer. With comparisons to players like Alperen Sengun and even Nikola Jokic, Boozer could grow into an important ball-handler for the Wizards.
While dreams of Dybantsa’s athletic finishes or Peterson’s explosive drives may live in Washington fans’ dreams, the best answer lies right in front of them. Though he isn’t the “exciting” pick, Boozer’s intelligence and proven skill set could bring hope back to the nation’s capital.
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