WASHINGTON — Even though they don’t own a lottery pick this season, the 2015 NBA Draft could prove to be a crucial one for the Washington Wizards.
The team has a solid young core, but aging big men and a couple of uncertainties on the roster. With the Atlanta Hawks facing decisions regarding their rotation, Washington has the opportunity to improve through the draft and potentially win the Southeast Division next year.
The Wizards were at their best in the postseason when they were able to shift Paul Pierce down to a stretch-four position and play the more athletic (and younger) Otto Porter at the three. Whether or not Pierce returns, investing in that “four small” lineup as a matter of regularity rather than a change of pace will be instrumental for the Wizards to be able to compete under the shifting model of the NBA game.
Thankfully, there is a slew of athletic wings and stretch-type players in this year’s pool. If the right type of player is available at the 19th overall pick, the toughest choice may be which direction to lean, between a smaller player with more speed or a larger one with more length. If no perfect fit is on the board, will Washington take the proverbial “most talented” player left? If so, who might that look like?
In addition to a versatile stretch-four, the Wizards may look to the draft for scoring depth from a bench guard, specifically a jolt of offensive production for the minutes John Wall spends getting a breather. They may also look to add a young, backup big man with Drew Gooden (33), Marcin Gortat (31), Nene (32) and Kris Humphries (30) all on the wrong side of their peak.
Finding the right fits to help maximize the existing roster’s talents will go a long way to determining Washington’s success next year and in the seasons to come. With that in mind, here are some names to look out for when the 19th and 49th picks roll around Thursday night.