Reasons for optimism following Washington Wizards’ initial free agency period
By Randy Porga
The Washington Wizards improved their bench rotation this offseason and there are plenty of reasons for optimism headed toward the 2017-18 regular season.
The Washington Wizards have worked quickly as well as carefully this offseason in making proper adjustments to their bench rotation.
For a moment it seemed a realistic possibility that Otto Porter‘s $104 million offer from the Brooklyn Nets may have been a bit steep for the Wizards’ taste.
It was also slightly bizarre to see John Wall attempting to recruit Paul George, who has since been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some took it as throwing Otto Porter under the bus, while others believe it was within Wall’s every right to bolster the Wizards’ already solid roster.
In any case, the initial free agency period has passed and all is well in Washington.
For those who have not been watching closely to the Washington Wizards’ every move, let’s get you brought up to speed.
The first call to action from the front office came in the way of trading for Tim Frazier. The Wizards needed a solid point guard to relieve John Wall off the bench. Last season Brandon Jennings was picked up after the New York Knicks waived him. It seemed to be a decent addition, but it wasn’t quite the best fit.
Although Tim Frazier is somewhat inexperienced, he stood out on a struggling New Orleans Pelicans roster. This was the first step in improving their bench rotation.
Wizards avoid large contracts with wise free agency moves
There were several big name targets the Wizards could have made an offer for despite their limited cap space. Players like Rudy Gay or bringing in Jamal Crawford as a sixth man appeared on the horizon as potential headliner improvements.
However, the Wizards went a different direction, which may concern some fans. They are currently taking a gamble on a pair of injury-prone players who will need to prove themselves this season.
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
Mike Scott has seen his three-ball percentage slowly dissipate, but Washington is a fresh start. With that being said, we can look forward to Kelly Oubre Jr. getting a solid boost in minutes.
While Oubre has had an underwhelming two-year introduction to the league, this should be the year he breaks out of his shell.
Jodie Meeks is likely to be the unsung hero and sixth man in the Washington Wizards’ rotation. He is a potential threat from the outside as well as inside, provided he is able to stay healthy and injury-free.
This brings us to the Washington Wizards’ latest move, signing Devin Robinson to a two-way contract.
Simply watching this kid’s highlight reels is enough reason to be excited about the Wizards’ present and future talent pool. The front office seems keen on keeping the roster young and ahead of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
All signs point towards the Washington Wizards headed in the right direction coming off their best record season in the past few decades. Fans have plenty of reasons for optimism as we head toward the 2017-18 regular season.