Washington Wizards: 5 free agents to help the bench in 2017

5 realistic free agents to help the Washington Wizards’ bench

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) gestures after making a three point field goal against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 95-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Shelvin Mack (Unrestricted)

2016-17 salary: $2.4 million

This could quite literally be a “Return of the Mack,” but Shelvin Mack isn’t the same player he once was when he played two seasons with the Washington Wizards. Mack has improved incredibly as a defensive player. He can stay with almost anyone around the arc and frequently pesters other teams’ backcourts.

Mack still has that athleticism that’s stuck with him throughout his entire NBA career. He moves off the ball well and gets to the hoop with ease. In the 2016-17 NBA season, Mack was given a starting role due to injury and in that time he averaged career-highs in points, rebounds and assists, all while maintaining a field goal percentage above his career average.

It was a small sample size of nine games, but it could also be an indicator that Mack could flourish on a team where he’s given more minutes.

The Wizards obviously need help scoring the ball, but they definitely wouldn’t mind some help defending the perimeter as well. Mack would give some much-needed help on defense with the chance of becoming a breakout scorer.

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