The 2017-2018 NBA season wasn’t particularly kind to the Washington Wizards. The team fell short of expectations, winning only 43 games and exiting in the first round of the playoffs. It was a performance that left many significant questions for the future. It should be noted that All-Star point guard John Wall appeared in only 41 games as a result of injury issues but, aside from that, the roster was generally healthy and there is a groundswell that Washington’s current salary cap situation is untenable for a team with its current array of assets.
Because of the uneasiness surrounding a (very) expensive roster that appears to have somewhat limited upside, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if the Wizards elected to shake things up, in one form or another, during the 2018 offseason. Much of the fireworks would almost have to come in the trade market but, before the free agency period begins on July 1, Washington holds two draft picks (No. 15 and No. 44 overall) that could aid in making life a bit easier for the front office.
It isn’t overly likely that the Wizards can unearth a legitimate game-changing talent at No. 15 but this is a deep and talented draft class with the potential to yield high-end contributors throughout the process. In fact, even the No. 44 could have real value in providing an avenue to unearth a rotation player on a (very) cheap contract and, with that in mind, Washington’s collective performance on June 21 could be important moving forward.
To that end, here are a few players that would make sense for the Wizards at one of their two draft slots, arriving in alphabetical order.
- Troy Brown – SF/SG, Oregon – There are lingering questions about Brown’s jump shot but, aside from that, he has the look and feel of a complete player. The one-and-done standout has point guard skills, an insanely high basketball IQ and the ability to defend multiple positions, making him a prime fit in the middle of the first round.
- Kevin Knox – SF/PF, Kentucky – Knox is perhaps the most likely player to be off the board at this point but arguably the best fit if he is available. He wasn’t always dominant during one season at Kentucky but Knox brings legitimate combo forward size and an intriguing offensive profile to the table. He would be a fun pairing with Otto Porter in a versatile forward tandem.
- Chimezie Metu – C, USC – Metu wouldn’t be in play at No. 15 but he would feel like a steal at No. 44. The Marcin Gortat era is likely coming to an end soon and, aside from Ian Mahinmi (and his monster contract), the Wizards don’t have a ton of options at center. Metu is a great athlete and a worthy second round investment.
- Gary Trent Jr. – SG/SF, Duke – Washington could use another shooter and that is Trent’s calling card. The rest of his game is tough to peg right now but he’d perform well in a smaller role where he could simply hunt for good looks.
- Lonnie Walker – SG, Miami – This wouldn’t be the best fit in the world, provided Bradley Beal and John Wall are both sticking around. Still, Walker could easily be the best player available at No. 15 and having another high-end creator wouldn’t be the worst thing.
- Robert Williams – C/PF, Texas A&M – As noted above with Metu, the center of the future in Washington isn’t on the current roster and Williams could be it at the No. 15 pick. He seems to be rising as the process moves along but Williams is an extremely talented player that would fit well in the nation’s capital.
