Washington Wizards: 5 paths Wizards can take with 9th pick in NBA draft
Mr. Process Goes to Washington: Draft the best available and projectable perimeter-oriented prospect, signaling a contingency plan for a post-Bradley Beal and John Wall world
Could the Process come to Washington? If the Wizards use the ninth pick in the NBA draft on a guard they’re clearly positioning themselves to blow up the roster and start from scratch. Any guard they pick would find themselves behind both John Wall and Bradley Beal in the pecking order. Teams don’t draft players in the top-10 only to have them rot on the bench for the next three seasons.
Who could fall to the Washington Wizards at nine? Killian Hayes, a guard out of France would be an attractive target for the Wizards if they plan on blowing up this current roster. As a 6’5″ point guard, Hayes has the size to defend both guard spots and has flashed big-time playmaking potential. However, his poor shot and inability to use his right-hand make him a long term project.
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The Wizards will want to make sure any guard they draft has the time and space to develop without having to constantly defer to Washington’s veteran backcourt. While some Wizards fans would be dismayed to see the team hit reset, it’s quite possible that by mid-season the team’s hand will be forced.
If the Wizards start out slow Bradley Beal could demand to be moved to a contender and any chance of contending would go out the window. The franchise might want to get ahead of the impending doom and just bring in the future right away.