Draft Outlook
Recency bias and the fact that it was a lot more fun has the Wizards and their fans thinking more about the team’s 17-6 record to close the regular season than the 17-32 start. No team was hit harder by COVID-19 and the league’s Health and Safety protocols, with a few injuries mixed in to break the season into a forgettable two-thirds, promising one-third. Washington survived the Play-In Tournament to earn a first-round experience (and spanking) vs. Philadelphia, and wants even better results now. Bradley Beal, if he doesn’t ask to be traded, and Russell Westbrook are back as a still-elite backcourt. Thomas Bryant and 2020 lottery pick Deni Avdija should be back from injuries, while Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans and Daniel Gafford are solid or improving role players. Still to be determined: A replacement for former coach Scott Brooks.
A Stat That Matters
110.5 — The Wizards ranked 26th defensively (113.2 allowed per 100) through Mar. 6. Then they ranked seventh (110.5) as they went 17-6 to close the regular season.
The Way To Go
Let’s do this “Jeopardy!” style. First the answer: Because it ranked 29th in 3-point attempts and 19th in defensive 3-point percentage. And now the question: Why should Washington be eager to draft a 3-and-D candidate with the No. 15 pick? A wing capable of both making and thwarting perimeter shots is the Wizards’ biggest need. The center spot seems to be set with Bryant, Gafford and either Robin Lopez or Alex Len returning. Backup backcourt guys — with Ish Smith and Raul Neto potentially gone as free agents — will be needed. But whomever the coach is, they’ll want someone athletic and versatile to help at both ends. Someone from a group of seven or eight that includes Tennessee’s Keon Johnson, Michigan’s Franz Wagner, Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert, Stanford’s Ziaire Williams and Oregon’s Chris Duarte should be on the board for them.
Under Contract
G: Bradley Beal
G: Russell Westbrook
G: Caleb Homesley
F: Rui Hachimura
F: Deni Avdija
F: Chandler Hutchison
F: Davis Bertans
F: Anthony Gill
F/C: Daniel Gafford
F/C: Thomas Bryant
Free Agents
G: Isaac Bonga (restricted)
G: Garrison Mathews (restricted)
G: Raul Neto (unrestricted)
G: Ish Smith (unrestricted)
G: Cassius Winston (restricted)
C: Alex Len (unrestricted)
C: Robin Lopez (unrestricted)
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Deni Avdija (9), Cassius Winston (53)*
* = acquired via trade
— Steve Aschburner