Washington Wizards: 5 options for pick No. 9 in 2019 NBA Draft
By Ben Yokoyama
The Washington Wizards are changing the guard in the front office. Here’s how they should make their mark in the 2019 NBA Draft.
As the Washington Wizards search for a new general manager in the first month of the post-Ernie Grunfeld era, the fanbase should have a positive attitude going forward. Grunfeld was subpar when it comes to the NBA Draft (who can forget Jan Vesely?) other than the gimmes of John Wall, Bradley Beal and the since departed Otto Porter Jr.
The new GM will be thrust into a difficult position. The Wizards could not hold onto recent draft picks Porter and Kelly Oubre Jr. because of the contracts of John Wall (until 2023), Bradley Beal (until 2021), Ian Mahinmi (entering final year) and potentially Jabari Parker, should they choose to pick up his team option. An impactful rookie could get the Wizards back to the playoffs as they figure out who will fill out the roster after Beal and Wall beyond this season.
In an ideal world, the Wizards get a big man who will be an interior force on the boards on both ends of the court and can work in the pick-and-roll. However, they should stick to the best player available approach in order to get the most out of the first of what could be two or three consecutive lottery picks thanks to Wall’s uncertain injury.
Trading down for more picks is entirely in the picture for Washington in the 2019 NBA Draft, but these five possibilities would be for their current selection at No. 9.