January 26, 2020

Washington Wizards Announce Official 2015 Summer League Roster

July 9, 2015 by

OUBRE, WHITE, AND WELLS HEADLINE WIZARDS SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER

Last week the Wizards announced their minicamp roster that would take part in four practice sessions, which culminated today before departing for the Las Vegas Summer League tournament. As expected, the squad was trimmed down before heading West; C Ousmane Drame out of Quinnipiac, F Halil Kanacevic from Saint Joseph’s, and Ohio State’s F LaQuinton Ross were cut from the team. You can find the complete 13 man, 9 of which are rookies, roster below.

2015 Summer League Roster

Wizards first round pick Kelly Oubre Jr., second round pick Aaron White, and undrafted free agent Dez Wells headline the list. Toure’ Murray was on the Wizards 15 man roster last year via a 10 day contract after Washington waived Glenn Rice and before they signed Will Bynum. Murray played just 17 minutes in four games scoring 6 points and having four turnovers.

Wells was seen today with wearing a brace on his right hand after practice and he said he jammed his thumb “really bad”. Regardless, Wells is on the flight to Vegas tonight and is expected to play Sunday. It is imperative for Wells to have a strong showing in the summer league to force the hand of the Wizards to open a roster spot by possibly trading or buying out the contracts of Martell Webster or DeJuan Blair. Wells could still find his way on another NBA franchise if Washington is not able to secure him a spot. All of this is still on the belief that Aaron White will start his pro career overseas.

So far the Wizards know that they will play three preliminary round games to start the Las Vegas Summer League before being seeded in a tournament that culminates with the championship game on July 20. Last year, the Wizards performed well in the “summer classic” behind strong play from Otto Porter and Glenn Rice. For the full schedule of the three preliminary games see below:

  • Saturday, July 11 vs. Phoenix at 6 PM EST
  • Sunday, July 12 vs. D-League Select at 4 PM EST
  • Thursday, July 14 vs. Dallas at 3:30 PM EST
Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards Resign Veteran Drew Gooden as Roster becomes Complete

July 9, 2015 by

DREW GOODEN RESIGNS WITH THE WIZARDS ON A 1 YEAR/$3.3 MILLION DEAL

Drew Gooden, 33, has been a big part of the Wizards playoff run the past two seasons. As a result, not only did Washington resign the Kansas graduate to a veterans minimum ($1.5 million), but they signed him to a one year deal worth $3.3 million.

With the trade acquisition of Jared Dudley, which became official today once the moratorium was lifted, the Wizards have a stretch four. However, Dudley is not the greatest of rebounders, averaging just over 5 boards in a 36 minute period in his career. With the Wizards only having two big men that Randy Wittman trusts to play during the playoffs: Marcin Gortat and Nene, it made sense for Washington to add another big man.

Gooden has a natural drive and energy he brings to the team. At 6′ 10”, the veteran stretch four always seemed to be soaring into the Verizon Center rafters to corral loose balls against the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs. Gooden might only be credited with 3.1 win shares for the Wizards over the past two regular seasons, but his 46.2 percent (12/26) shooting from beyond the arc last postseason to go along with his 5.5 rebounds per game in limited playing time was key. His performance in high leverage situations as well as his likability in the locker room made this a no-brainer. Gooden is clearly happy to be back.

Other teammates likes Wizards leader John Wall also is joyful about the move.

The Wizards now have the maximum of 15 players currently under contract meaning there is little likelihood, at the moment, of signing an additional player off of the summer league team besides first round pick Kelly Oubre. Unless the Wizards are able to offload the contracts of Martell Webster, DeJuan Blair, and even last year’s starting power forward Nene, who currently do not fit into the way the Wizards are shaping their team, rookies like Dez Wells might have to look for work elsewhere.

UPDATED Projected Depth Chart:

PG: John Wall, Ramon Sessions
SG: Bradley Beal, Gary Neal, Garrett Temple
SF: Otto Porter, Alan Anderson, Kelly Oubre, Martell Webster
PF: Jared Dudley, Drew Gooden, Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair
C: Marcin Gortat, Nene

The Wizards are now fully committed to the small ball mentality that the NBA’s best teams are transitioning to with their free agency acquisitions of Jared Dudley, Gary Neal, Alan Anderson, and now Drew Gooden.

For the latest on the rest of the Washington Wizards offseason building up to the start of the regular season, come back and visit District Sports Page regularly.

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards sign Alan Anderson to use Mid-Level Exception as Free Agency Winds Down

July 7, 2015 by

WIZARDS USE FINAL EXCEPTION ON F ALAN ANDERSON (1 YEAR/$4 MILLION) TO BOLSTER SMALL BALL LINEUP

The Washington Wizards have lost Paul Pierce, acquired Jared Dudley, signed Gary Neal, and now added Alan Anderson as another piece of the puzzle heading into the 2015-2016 season. With these three acquisitions Washington has used up their larger trade, bi-annual, and most of the mid-level exceptions hinting towards the possible end of major transactions during the free agency festivities. Anderson declined a player option with the Brooklyn Nets that would have paid out a mere $1.3 million.

After losing out on veteran PF David West talents to the Spurs, Ernie Grunfeld wasted little time to use up the MLE on what many considered the best wing option still available in Anderson. Anderson will only receive part of the Wizards mid-level exception ($5.5 million) meaning that the team could use the remaining $1.5 million to sign another player. Such an amount might not be much to some, but it would be similar to the veterans minimum that David West settled for. The remaining portion can be used to sign another player. The signing will not be official until the NBA moratorium is lifted on July 9, similar to Jared Dudley’s situation.

Alan Anderson, 32, is a 6′ 6” wing defender out of Michigan State and has plenty of experience both in the NBA and overseas. Anderson is another shooter for the Wizards as he is 34.6 percent from beyond the arc for his career including 252 made threes over the past three years. Anderson was also big in the playoffs last year for the Nets as a bench player by averaging 11 points in 24 minutes a game. Like The Truth, Anderson heated up in the postseason with a ridiculous 10 of 16 (62.5 percent) shooting from three. Possibly even more importantly for Anderson was his versatility and ability to effectively defend against the rest of the league’s premier wing players like LeBron James, similarly to Jared Dudley.

With the additions of Anderson, Neal, and Dudley, the Wizards have deepened their team at the 2, 3, and 4 positions. Anderson will be the most comfortable at the SF position and by backing up rising star Otto Porter , the Wizards can ease Kelly Oubre’s development with limited playing time. The move also allows Dudley to play primarily at the PF position, though possibly in a non-starter role. Washington has obtained versatility, wing depth, and shooting without forfeiting any future cap space for next year’s run at Kevin Durant.

UPDATED Projected Depth Chart:

PG: John Wall, Ramon Sessions
SG: Bradley Beal, Gary Neal, Garrett Temple
SF: Otto Porter, Alan Anderson, Kelly Oubre, Martell Webster
PF: Jared Dudley, Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair
C: Marcin Gortat, Nene

Washington currently has 14 players under contract and have limited big bodies to rebound the ball at the moment. Although the Wizards have previously opted to leave a roster spot open for a strong Summer League performer such as Rasual Butler last year or Dez Wells this year,  there is a strong possibility that the Wizards will take the $1.5 million left of their mid-level exception and re-sign Drew Gooden. Gooden has preformed well for the Wizards the past two years, especially in the playoffs, and excels in rebounding because of his energy.

Unprobable at the moment, the Wizards may try to move the likes of Martell Webster of DeJuan Blair because of their near certainty of no playing time, as projected by the late stages of last season. Such would bode well for former Terp Dez Wells or another young standout in the upcoming Summer League. To make sure you are aware of the latest Wizards developments, check back on District Sports Page frequently.

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards: Jared Dudley to DC for Second Round Pick

July 2, 2015 by

ERNIE GRUNFELD TRADES AWAY ANOTHER SECOND ROUND PICK TO BRING IN POTENTIAL STRETCH FOUR OPTION IN JARED DUDLEY

The Washington Wizards still have not made a move in free agency although they have been reportedly linked to several players. On the second day of free agency, a day after losing their playoff stretch four in Paul Pierce, GM Ernie Grunfeld traded a protected second round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for veteran Jared Dudley. The trade will not be official until a week from today, July 9. The Wizards have already parted ways with their 2016 and 2019 second round picks in a draft day trade to acquire Kelly Oubre Jr. Grunfeld clearly did not want to be outdone by his Capitals counterpart who made an impressive move to acquire RW T.J. Oshie.

Jared Dudley, 29, was due $4.25 million this year after opting into the final year of his contract the day before free agency began on June 30. The Wizards will absorb Dudley’s contract into an existing trade exception in order to not exceed the salary cap. This trade player exception (TPE) came from the trade that sent Andre Miller to Sacramento, who was owed a $4.7 million salary. For those who do not know, TPEs allow franchises to acquire a player by only giving up a future pick, which in this case may or may not come to fruition.

Dudley spoke to Alex Kennedy and said, “To me, I understand it’s a business and I understand what the Bucks are doing, but I’m excited. The Wizards are a great team, who have two young stars in John Wall and Bradley Beal. And I played with Marcin Gortat before [in Phoenix]. It would be great to play for them and I’d just try to come in and contribute at the three and do whatever it takes to help them win.”

Dudley is a career 39.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc and was 74 of 192 (38.5 percent) last year in his only season in Milwaukee, who signed former Hoya Greg Monroe today. Although the Boston College product stands at only 6′ 7”, he was the power forward for the Bucks when their coach Jason Kidd elected to go small. Dudley’s ability to literally stretch the defense with his jump shooting ability complements his ability to effectively guard multiple positions. As Washington Post’s Jorge Castillo pointed out, Dudley can be the primary defender against LeBron James whether it be during the regular season or high pressure playoff situations.

Dudley’s versatility, can play the 2, 3, AND 4 positions, was liked by the Wizards front office. Currently, Dez Wells could be the backup SG, Kelly Oubre could be too raw to see consistent minutes at SF, and Kris Humphries is the only Wizard big who has a consistent jump shot at the moment. To see what this does to the CURRENT projected depth chart, see below:

PG: John Wall, Ramon Sessions
SG: Bradley Beal, Garrett Temple
SF: Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre, Martell Webster
PF: Jared Dudley, Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair
C: Marcin Gortat, Nene

The Wizards still have a mid-level exception (around $5.5 million) and bi-annual exception (around $2.1 million) to use. After the Wizards resign Drew Gooden, which is reported to be quite likely by CSN’s J. Michael, the Wizards would be at their 15-man roster limit. However, with the Wizards continuing to be high on Dez Wells, assuming second round pick Aaron White does indeed go overseas, Washington could opt to not use the bi-annual exception. In essence, the Wizards are going to try and lure the best possible talent available for $5.5 million; to see a list of who that individual might be check out the Wizards free agent tracker. My best guess would be Gooden, Wells, and C.J. Watson, through mid-level exception, will fill out the roster for the Wizards come the 2015-2016 season opener.

For the latest on everything Wizards from free agency moves to the latest on the young prospects on the Wizards summer league team, return to District Sports Page frequently. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below.

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards: 2015 Minicamp Roster prior to Summer League

July 2, 2015 by

OUBRE, WHITE, AND WELLS HEADLINE WIZARDS MINICAMP ROSTER

The Washington Wizards announced the players who will partake in their mini-camp, which will occur before the 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.  The following roster will be trimmed before the youngsters take off for the Sin City. Wizards first round pick Kelly Oubre Jr., second round pick Aaron White, and undrafted free agent Dez Wells headline the list. On draft night it was reported that veteran G Roddy Beaubois would be on the team, but as evidenced by the list below, it appears that something must have changed .

Wizards 2015 Minicamp Roster

The Wizards minicamp schedule can also be found here:

  • Monday, July 6 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday, July 7 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 8 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 9 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

So far the Wizards know that they will play three preliminary round games to start the Las Vegas Summer League before being seeded in a tournament that culminates with the championship game on July 20. Last year, the Wizards performed well in the “summer classic” behind strong play from Otto Porter Jr. and Glenn Rice Jr. For the full schedule of the three preliminary games see below:

  • Saturday, July 11 vs. Phoenix at 6 PM EST
  • Sunday, July 12 vs. D-League Select at 4 PM EST
  • Thursday, July 14 vs. Dallas at 3:30 PM EST

 

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , ,

Washington Wizards: The Truth Leaves DC for LA

July 1, 2015 by

THE TRUTH LEAVES DC FOR THREE YEAR DEAL WITH CLIPPERS

After forgoing a player option that would have allowed Pierce to make $5.5 million in DC, The Truth decided against staying with the Wizards and return to his hometown of Los Angeles.

Pierce is reported to have signed a three year deal for $10.6 million with the Clippers. The last year, a season where Pierce would be 40, will be a team option. Pierce could have made $6.6 million during the upcoming season if he decided to stay in Washington. It is likely that Pierce was sold as soon as the Clippers offered a second guaranteed year, whereas the Wizards would have offered a second year as a team option.

When the Washington Wizards brought in Paul Pierce to replace Trevor Ariza last year, many thought it would be a step back because of the to be Hall of Famer’s age. It turned out to be the exact opposite. Although the argument can be made the Pierce was a liability on defense, his leadership presence to the young core of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter was priceless. The Truth’s ability to take the last shot and win playoff games did not hurt either.

After the Wizards five minute extension to a season was waived off when Pierce’s overtime forcing three was waved off in Game 6 against the Hawks, The Truth was soft spoken post game. Many immediately thought the former Finals MVP was ready to hang it all up after Pierce discussed the need to see how is aging body healed from the season.

After it became clear that Pierce would give it another go in chase of another championship, many linked the future Hall of Famer to a reunion with his former Celtic’s coach Doc Rivers as a Clipper in his hometown of Los Angeles. Even after the Clippers acquired Lance Stephenson, a small forward, Rivers said on a radio interview that he would like the former Pacer to come off the bench and not start. It has now become clear that Rivers clearly wanted to pursue Pierce to replace Matt Barnes in the Clippers starting lineup.

When Pierce opted out of his contract, many thought it might be a money play to receive an extra $1.1 million that he did deserve. Throughout the wait, both Wizards head coach Randy Wittman and GM Ernie Grunfeld were optimistic that the veteran wing would return. Wittman said he expected Pierce back next year moments after his team’s season ended in a post game presser and also on draft night after selecting Kelly Oubre. It is clear that the former Kansas star, Pierce not Oubre who also went to Kansas, was Washington’s #1 priority as they scheduled a conversation over the phone at 12:01 AM on July 1, the official start of free agency.

Below you can find an UPDATED depth chart including ONLY those who are currently under contract:

PG: John Wall, Ramon Sessions
SG: Bradley Beal, Garrett Temple
SF: Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre, Martell Webster
PF: Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair
C: Marcin Gortat, Nene

With four roster spots currently open, the Wizards have four players in the organization who could fill them: Aaron White, Dez Wells, Rasual Butler, and Drew Gooden. White is expected to go oversees, Wells is expected to make the team, Butler may be expendable, and Gooden is the only true stretch four capable player in the franchise. If Butler is not re-signed and/or either Webster or Blair are moved, the Wizards can still look to add talent through free agency.

While waiting for an official decision from Pierce, the Wizards were not completely absent in the free agency festivities. Washington was linked to be in contact with several individuals who could provide depth to the organization. Any and all individuals who were even rumored to be associated with the Wizards can be found below. I would not expect any major flashy deals to be signed as the Wizards have hinted at every opportunity that they will pursue Durant with every penny they have next year. Wizards have essentially no cap room but can use midlevel, biannual, trade exceptions.

  • Former King and second overall pick behind Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams an undersized power forward that was possibly asked to do too much.
  • Former Timberwolves first round pick, last year with the Lakers, SG Wayne Ellington who has a stroke from beyond the arc.
  • Bulls three point threat in veteran Mike Dunleavy. The former Duke product would go on to resign with Chicago at 3 years for $15 million although he was rumored to have had other offers.
  • Longtime Piston Rodney Stuckey was an interest of the Wizards because of his consistent double digit points per game production.
  • Former Net Alan Anderson also was an interest of the Wizards for wing depth and potentially as a replacement for Pierce.

When the Wizards signed Pierce to a two year $10.8 million deal last summer, they were mostly worried about saving up enough cap space to make a hard push in returning Kevin Durant to the DMV. Coming into this summer, the Wizards hoped that Pierce would be back with the core in place. The Wizards looked to be primed to make a push at the Eastern Conference Finals if Pierce returned, but instead if will be the combination of Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre to take over the small forward position.

For the latest on the Wizards activity during free agency as well as the latest on the young prospects on their summer league team, return to District Sports Page frequently.

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards 2015 NBA Draft Results, Grades, and Meaning

June 27, 2015 by

The Washington Wizards were probably busier than some might have expected at the Barclary’s center; nonetheless however, measures were taken to improve this team now and in the future. For a full recap and evaluation of the Wizards activities see my in-depth post from last night.

Washington acquired Kelly Oubre Jr., an athletic wing player out of Kansas from the Atlanta Hawks, drafted with the 15th overall pick, by trading away their 19th overall pick that was used to ship Jerian Grant to New York and two second round picks in 2016 and 2019 going to Atlanta.

In the second round the Wizards stay put and drafted stretch four Aaron White out of Iowa, one pick after missing out on Kentucky big man Dakari Johnson. After the draft, the Wizards are reported to have former Terp Dez Wells and former first round pick Roddy Beaubois on the team’s summer league team.

It is a certainty that Oubre will make the team and will see solid minutes coming off the bench. According to J. Michael, Aaron White will begin his pro career overseas even though GM Ernie Grunfeld said it would be up to White; quite possible that the Iowa big has already made his decision to travel. Dez Wells will likely have a spot on the 15 man roster because he can be a go to scorer off the bench when needed to provide a spark. Clearly many in the Wizards organization agree as J. Michael is reporting that the former Terp is expected to reunite with childhood friend John Wall. Beaubois is already 27 years old and will be starting his 10th year of his pro career; the French native is a long shot to make the team although he would probably play a role to last year’s pick up of Will Bynum.

With this news, a more accurate idea of the Wizards 15-man roster is possible:

PG: John Wall, Ramon Sessions, Will Bynum/Roddy Beaubois
SG: Bradley Beal, Garrett Temple, Rasual Butler, Dez Wells
SF: Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre, Martell Webster, Paul Pierce
PF: Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair, Aaron White, Drew Gooden
C: Marcin Gortat, Nene

The above depth chart is assuming that Paul Pierce does  not re-sign with the Wizards when free agency begins July 1. Pierce has officially opted out of his contract, which was reported earlier by others. However, it is still possible The Truth will be back and provide the clutch shooting and mentoring he showed off last year. When asked about the return of Pierce, Wittman optimistically said “yeah, absolutely” I expect him back.

Drew Gooden has resurrected his career in Washington the past two years and the Wizards should and likely will work to bring the veteran back. His spot is secure as long as the Wizards figure out a deal that might include a second year player option that suits him. Rasual Butler is a free agent but could be back if the Wizards want him. They currently do not have the roster spot for him if Aaron White does stay in DC and they could opt to bring in another younger sharp shooter instead (i.e. Michael Frazier or Aaron Harrison). Will Bynum will be the odd man out if Paul Pierce returns or even if he doesn’t and the front office likes what they see out of Beaubois more (quite possible if the former Maverick can over come his injury plagued past).

I would expect the Wizards to try and move either Martell Webster and/or DeJuan Blair in coming weeks because of their lack of production and opportunity last year. It is unlikely Washington targets any flashy free agents starting next week as they will continue to save cap space in hope of a run to bring Kevin Durant home.

Although none of these evaluations will mean anything until the end of these players careers, possibly over a decade from now, Oubre and company can still be evaluated on their projected contribution to the team.

  • Kelly Oubre: B with the potential of A. Since the Wizards did have to part with two second round draft picks in 2016 and 2019 when they could have stayed pat at #19 and selected Bobby Portis or Jerian Grant, Oubre is already in the hole. However, there is a reason why the one-and-done Kansas sensation was projected to be a lottery pick: he is ridiculously athletic. His 7′ 2” wingspan will allow him to be a strong defender and he if he continues to develop his multi-faceted offensive game, he will well be worth the investment. It is more likely he will be signing a max deal in four years than him looking overseas to continue his pro career. Oubre is also close friends with Kevin Durant, it might not help come next summer, but it will certainly not hurt either.
  • Aaron White: B+. The Wizards were one pick away from having the opportunity to select Dakari Johnson, an elite defender with a 9′ 4” reach. After that opportunity was taken away by the Thunder with the 48th pick, Washington opted to draft a big who can continue to help them with their high priority of rebounding. White, like Oubre, can grab nine or more rebounds in forty minutes of action. With White’s growing ability to knock down the three point shot, he could be a younger version of Drew Gooden the Wizards are looking for in a stretch four.
  • Dez Wells: A. It costs the Wizards nothing to put a stud with a prolific college career at a local school in Maryland on the summer league team. Clearly the Wizards have no obligation to give Wells a roster spot, but he has clearly made an impression on the front office with his unique slashing skill set. If he has a strong performance in Vegas, Otto won’t be the only local college star Verizon Center will be chanting.
  • Roddy Beaubois: A. Similarly to Wells, it costs the Wizards nothing to take a second look at the French professional. Once believed to be a budding star who dropped 40 points on the Golden State Warriors in 2009 as a rookie, injuries might have completely derailed the career of Beaubois. Once the dust settles with Paul Pierce and the Wizards make up their minds about Will Bynum and other bench free agents will be when the future of Beaubois in DC will be decided.

For continued coverage of the Wizards in the offseason leading up to the start of the 2015-2016 season, visit DistrictSportsPage frequently.

 

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Wizards 2015 NBA Draft Recap: Kelly Oubre to DC in Surprise Trade

June 25, 2015 by

The Washington Wizards went into the 2015 NBA Draft holding the 19th and 49th overall picks looking to draft the best players available according to General Manager Ernie Grunfeld. In a sudden change of events, the Wizards acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. out of Kansas, originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks at the 15th overall pick. Washington will lose the 19th overall pick as well as two future second round picks in 2016 and 2019.

The night started with the fireworks of the highly anticipated lottery picks, in which Karl Anthony Towns went to the Minnesota Timberwolves, DeAngelo Russell to the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jahlil Okafor to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Although the Wizards selected Jerian Grant out of Notre Dame, and formerly of DeMatha here in the DMV, at their original 19th overall pick, he will be sent to the New York Knicks on behalf of the Atlanta Hawks who will receive former Michigan standout Tim Hardaway. These trades were officially announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver prior to the announcement of the 24th overall pick.

Kelly Oubre did NOT come into a pre-draft workout with the Wizards because the front office did not expect the exciting freshmen to fall out of the lottery picks (1-14). The 6-foot-7 200 pound 19 year old can play shooting guard and small forward. With a whopping 7-2 wingspan, Oubre could be developed into a power forward after bulking up in the upcoming years.

This length to go along with superb athleticism will let him be an impressive two way player that can excel in transition with John Wall, like we have already seen out of Otto Porter. According to J. Michael of CSN Washington, a Wizard decision maker said athleticism was too much to pass up when he was available at #15. Oubre turned into a lock down defender as his season progressed. If you extend the former Jayhawks game to 40 minutes, he snags nearly 10 rebounds and force north of two steals.

The offense is not settled, but a work in progress. However, Oubre is improving on all facets of his offensive game already and will continue to do so as a Wizard. Oubre was a 35.8 percent shooter from behind the arc on a bit of a limited sample size (34 of 95). Advance stats tell us that he is a 41 percent shooter on jump shots inside the arc. According to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, Grunfeld loves Oubre’s upside and ability to run the floor all stemming from his athleticism.

In his post-draft interview with ESPN, Oubre had the confident statement that “whoever gets me is getting a jewel”. The one and done player went on to make a promise that will certainly make him a fan favorite, “I’m ready to win a championship. And whatever team gets me, we’re winning a championship”. The former Jayhawk could take over for a Hall of Famer, also a former Jayhawk, in Paul Pierce who was loved in DC. Oubre is confident that the city will definitely love him as he spoke to CSN Washington’s Chris Miller.

I would not start jumping ship on the bleak possibility that Paul Pierce does not return to DC. He has been reported to decline his player option with the Wizards and is being lured to return to his hometown in LA and a reunion with his former head coach Doc Rivers. Pierce’s former team in the Boston Celtics were also rumored to trying to make a play in retrieving The Truth back to the team he was the 2008 NBA championship with. In the post-first round selection meeting with reporters, Randy Wittman said he expects Pierce to opt-in contrary to reports.

Oubre will likely not start over Otto Porter but can provide a lift to a Wizards bench that at times lacked impact last year. Do not expect too much next year, but if he can hit the occasional three, produce in transition, and become a shutdown defender, he will be worth the two second round draft picks the Wizards gave up.  Oubre will most likely take part in Wizards mini-camp as well as take part in the Las Vegas summer league in July, former Wizards Glenn Rice Jr. was last years summer league MVP. Additionally, the wing will be working out with Bradley Beal and Andrew Wiggins this summer.

For what its worth, Bobby Portis who was linked by many to the Wizards at #19 was selected by the Chicago Bulls at the 22nd overall pick. With the slipping of both sharp shooter RJ Hunter out of Georgia State and Kevon Looney from UCLA, both who came in for pre-draft workouts the Wizards might have been looking to move up. However, Hunter and Looney went 28th and 30th overall to the Celtics and Warriors, respectively.

In the second round with the 49th overall pick, the Wizards selected Aaron White a 6-9 228 pound stretch four out of Iowa. White did come in for a pre-draft workout with the Wizards and is said to be one of the four best players Washington saw out of their 36 invitees according to J. Michael. White was a poor three point shooter for much of his first three years in school but upped his average to 35.6 percent on 21 of 59 shooting from beyond the arc. Like Oubre, White has a prowess on the glass as he could average more than nine rebounds during a fourty minute span. Throughout the playoffs, Wittman preached about the important of winning the rebounding battle, which can explain why they had both Oubre and White ranked so highly. According to GM Grunfeld, it will be up to White to decide whether he wants to play oversees, possibly after taking part in summer league action; however, J. Michael is reporting that the big man will “definitely” be oversees. That strategy did not work out for recent Wizards second round pick Tomas Satoransky who signed a two year deal with FC Barcelona in Spain last summer.

Although the Wizards only made these two selection, they will be bringing in local favorite and former Terp Dez Wells and Roddy Beaubois, a well traveled former first round pick of the Thunder in 2009 to play on their summer league team. Wells went undrafted as most might have expected but as I have already discussed in my draft preview, he has a unique skill set that can turn him into a productive asset. Wells is clearly ready to take advantage of his opportunity. If the Maryland slasher impresses during mini-camp, summer league, and/or training camp, it is likely you can secure a spot on the 15 man roster, which J. Michael is reporting already secured.

For Beaubois, he has already had one go around in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks after playing three years of ball in the French League with Cholet Basket. While the French native showed signs of being a serviceable backup point guard in the NBA, a broken hand in 2013 ended his first stint in the NBA. Beaubois went on to play in the Belgian League and is currently back in the French League as a part of Le Mans Sarthe Basket.

To read about an evaluation of the Wizards draft night selections and acquisitions check back to DistrictSportsPage to see the front office’s report card.

Filed Under: Wiz/NBA Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
«Previous Page
%d bloggers like this: