The Washington Wizards signed Mike Scott on Tuesday. The move adds depth to the Wizards’ bench, but we examine just how good the signing was.
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Washington Wizards have signed forward Mike Scott to a one-year deal, at the veteran minimum ($1.7 million). This addition is Washington’s second signing of the offseason, after it signed veteran shooting guard Jodie Meeks on Sunday.
Last season, Washington’s starting unit was incredible, and carried the team into the Eastern Conference semifinals. However, the Wizards’ bench was 29th in the league in scoring average. The bench unit was also near the bottom of the league in rebounds, at 28th.
The starters were also left on the court longer than almost any other starting unit. The Wizards’ bench was second-to-last in the NBA, with only 15 minutes per game. So, the Wizards came into the offseason determined to pad their bench.
So far, Washington has traded for Tim Frazier and signed veterans Jodie Meeks and Mike Scott. The signing of Mike Scott is a welcome addition to the frontcourt. Scott is a veteran player, who is able to shoot the three-point ball, and is a solid rebounding presence as well.
Can confirm report that Wizards are close to signing free agent forward Mike Scott. Another 3/4 type who can shoot 3s. @wojespn 1st.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) July 4, 2017
Over the course of his career, Scott has averaged 16.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per 36 minutes. For a power forward who has played almost exclusively as a role player, those numbers are solid. The University of Virginia alumni was also a formidable presence beyond the arc, as he’s averaged better than 33.3 percent from three. Scott’s three-point percentage improved in each of his first four seasons, before experiencing a stark decline last season.
Concerns
Scott’s last season gives Wizards fans reason to worry. He missed a considerable amount of time at the beginning of the season due to a left knee injury. Then, upon his return, Scott put up career-lows in almost every category. His three-point ability disappeared, as he shot 14.8 percent from three. After averaging less than three points per game, Scott was traded to the Phoenix Suns, who would then waive him. Scott only played 18 games last year, and his performance left much to be desired.
If he can recover from his dismal performance last season, he will be an efficient addition to a Wizards’ bench that needs all the help it can get. However, even if Scott is unable to perform at a high caliber, the Wizards’ fan-base can make peace with the fact that the Wizards’ signed Scott to a one-year contract at the league minimum.
Mike Scott to the Wizards like... https://t.co/IEvH6zhnMM pic.twitter.com/ur9763n8q7
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 4, 2017
It’s also good to know that Mike Scott has already become acquainted with Bradley Beal.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
Grade: C+