Washington Wizards: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Donald Sloan signs a one-year deal

The Washington Wizards made one last-minute signing in the free agent market, picking up a former point guard in Donald Sloan. Sloan signed a one-year deal on a $1.7 million veteran’s minimum contract.

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Sloan spent the 2016-17 season in China, where he played for Guangdong Southern. He averaged 23.6 points, 6.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in 49 appearances for Guangdong, starting in 48 of those contests. He shot 46.4 percent from the floor and 37.2 percent from three.

Before playing in the Chinese Basketball Assocation, Sloan spent most of his time with the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. He last appeared with the Nets in the 2015-16 season where he appeared in 61 games, making 33 starts.

The signing comes as a surprise to many but his addition to the Washington Wizards roster gives them another ball-handler to work with on offense. The Wizards acquired point guard Brandon Jennings late last season, but now he’s gone overseas.

Sloan fills a need and also challenges point guard Tim Frazier for playing time. He’s developed overseas and is ready to show what he can do now. This is probably one of the more underrrated signings for Washington this offseason.

Grade: B+