Washington Wizards; 3 reasons Tommy Sheppard deserves GM job
By Leo Versel
3. Sheppard and the Wizards make two draft selections
On June 20, Tommy Sheppard had an opportunity to demonstrate his decision-making and deal-making skills the night of the NBA Draft.
Sheppard, who has spent 16 of his 25 years of NBA service working with the Washington Wizards, had the ninth overall pick at his disposal heading into draft night.
The Wizards selected Japanese-born Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura, maximizing their usage of that pick and adding value to the team, as I see it.
The 6’8″, 230-pound former West Coast Conference Player of the Year averaged nearly 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and over an assist per game during his junior year playing with the Bulldogs.
Hachimura provides Washington with a highly capable post and mid-range scoring option to accompany center Thomas Bryant, who had a standout 2018-19 season.
One notable area for improvement in Hachimura’s game is his 3-point shooting, as he made only 15 3-pointers on a total of 36 attempts during his last season with Gonzaga. I believe that Hachimura has a high upside and that he is capable of becoming a stretch 4.
Sheppard did not just stop there. In exchange for cash considerations, he acquired Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Jonathon Simmons and more importantly, the draft rights to Philadelphia’s 42nd pick that night.
With the 42nd selection, Sheppard and the Wizards chose Tennessee senior Admiral Schofield, who is able to play at both guard and forward.
Schofield, 6’6″ and 241-pounds, played four years with the Volunteers, recording career per-game averages of 12 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
The Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year finalist and All-SEC first team player was also precise from beyond the 3-point arc, leading Tennessee with 74 made 3-point shots and 42 percent shooting accuracy from 3.
While Sheppard eventually decided to waive Simmons, he added extra talent. Undrafted free agents Justin Robinson from Virginia Tech and Garrison Mathews of Lipscomb both signed with the Wizards before the night was over.
Robinson recently agreed to a three-year contract with Washington and Mathews participated in the NBA Summer League after signing a two-way contract with the team.
Sheppard’s decisions during draft night show that he will act quickly and diligently to ensure what’s best for the Wizards.