Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from the offseason
By Leo Versel
3. Management looks to future
Regardless of fan perspectives on the potential benefits of adding the young pieces that the Washington Wizards have to the roster, this aspect is certainly an offseason takeaway.
Before Ted Leonsis named him general manager, Tommy Sheppard not only assisted in selecting Rui Hachimura, the ninth overall draft pick this year, but also decided to trade cash considerations so he could choose Admiral Schofield in the second round.
The Wizards’ management also acquired 26-year-old stretch-4 Davis Bertans by participating in the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets’ trade for DeMarre Carroll. In a similar way, Washington signed on to a trade sending Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In exchange, the Wiz gained a talented package of 6’11” center Moritz Wagner, 19-year-old guard Isaac Bonga and undrafted small forward Jemerrio Jones.
Other talented Wizards additions that went relatively under the radar are Lipscomb sharpshooter Garrison Mathews and guards Justin Robinson, who signed a three-year deal, and former Villanova player Phil Booth, who agreed to a non-guaranteed contract providing a training camp invitation.
It’s also crucial to note that Sheppard quickly agreed to a three-year, $25 million contract extension with rising center Thomas Bryant, who had a breakout season in 2018-19.
Sheppard’s goal with these acquisitions was to establish a formidable foundation, consisting of a couple of emerging players that the Wizards can build around.
The building blocks the Wiz have put in place have a strong upside and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the team.
Though looking ahead to the future is essential, only time will tell whether these roster changes will be the start of something special beginning to brew in Washington.