Wizards Review
Another lost season in the Nation's Capital. That applies to many things in Washington D.C., espcially Wizards basketball. The rebuild began when Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler were dumped. Some of the new parts didn't fit, so this season was dump deuce. Center JaVale McGee and Guard Nick Young were not team players and had big money on their minds, so they were sent packing. Nuggets big man Nene was the prize for the Wizards, who also received forward Brian Cook for the remainder of the year and a future second round pick.
The Wizards held off on burning their amnesty clause when the obvious choice was forward Rashard Lewis. Now, the team may use it on Andray Blatche who they can not give away via trade. Pretty bad when you will eat a 22 million dollar contract to get rid of somebody worst. Washington will probalbly end up with the second best probability to obtain the top pick in the June draft.
Looking for one last run with Arenas, Jamison and Butler, Washington traded its lottery pick in the '09 draft to Minnesota for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. The Timberwolves drafted guard Ricky Rubio and Washington finished 30 games under .500, getting one injury plagued season from both Miller and Foye. The bright side? The Wizards got lucky in the '10 lottery and ended up with point guard John Wall. Ideally, the Wiz will get lucky again as Kentucky forward Anthony Davis would be a perfect compliment to Nene in the paint. If Washington winds up picking second or third, small forward's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky or North Carolina's Harrison Barnes would supplement the current rebuild nicely. Picking near the top of the second round, shooting guard is also a need with Vanderbilt's John Jenkins or Ohio State's William Buford possibilities. The Wiz also own the Mavs second round pick, look for more backcourt help with that selection. Missouri shooting guard Kim English or Tennessee Tech's Kevin Murphy could be viable options.
The Good: Wall keeps getting better and better. It is up to GM Ernie Grunfeld to surround him with reliable target before he can exit at first opportunity. Nene gives the Wizards the big man they have lacked and a building block along with Wall. A trio of second year players, forwards Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton and guard Jordan Crawford are keepers and could be part of a successful future. Center Kevin Seraphin and forward Trevor Booker also showed signs when given the opportunity.
The Bad: McGee became a you tube sensation for his raw athleticism, but probably more for some bonehead plays. He wants "DeAndre Jordan" money which is Denver's problem now. Young didn't fare much better, but was rewarded with a one way ticket to Los Angeles and the up and coming Clippers. As bad as McGee and Young have been, Blatche has been worst. Blache missed much of the season due to conditioning issues and his days are numbered.
Washington has potentially 10 players under contract for next season. Although they remain under contract either Lewis, Blatche or both will not return.
Returning (10)
C
Nene, Kevin Seraphin
F
Rashard Lewis, Andray Blatche, Jan Vesely, Chris Singleton, Trevor Booker
G
John Wall,, Jordan Crawford, Shelvin Mack
Tom Blaz Co-Owner of DC PRO & The Recruiting Eagle focusing on Auburn University Athletics.
