Here’s a scary thought — the Washington Wizards drafted wisely and found three players that can help an awful franchise.
Sure, Jan Vesely can’t play defense and Chris Singleton isn’t super on offense, but much the same could be said about the current six men on the roster left over from another awful season. If nothing else, the newcomers may break the underachieving culture of past teams. Meanwhile, Shelvin Mack might only be John Wall’s backup, but at least Mack gives the team a Plan B when needed.
The Wizards will still stink, but Thursday’s draft was a positive move by a team that usually drafts poorly.
Maybe the Wizards will replicate the Capitals and now the Nationals in finally emerging into something that doesn’t make fans want to drink even more beer during games. Perhaps Wizards supporters can one day fill seats instead of visiting fans keeping Verizon Center from resembling Union Station at midnight.
Normally, Wizards fans don’t like European players after its last two were simply awful. Foreign players are too often an unknown temptation that don’t turn out as successful as U.S. college players. NBA execs fall in love with their unknown potential since Europeans aren’t dissected as much as American players. This year, four foreigners were chosen in the top seven picks.
Vesely better not become the latest failure or Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld definitely goes. The Czech forward could become an exciting fastbreak combination with Wall. The 6-foot-11 Vesely can run the floor and may one day be in the NBA dunk contest. Some call him the European version of Blake Griffin. Well, let’s not be greedy and just hope he can average 12 points and six rebounds.
Singleton was a steal at No. 18 given he’s the draft’s best defender and nearly went in the top 10. The Florida State forward makes Andray Blatche completely expendable. Maybe now the Wizards can trade Blatche and move on from this failed pick.
Singleton will provide rebounding and defense, so his scoring isn’t as important. That’s for Wall and Vesely to produce. But it’s nice to have a tough guy underneath and a shutdown defender late in the game for once.
Washington even made an interesting second-round pick in Mack, who led that amazing Butler team to consecutive Final Four appearances. Mack played in big games over four years at Butler, so he’ll easily transition to the NBA.
The Wizards need much more to resemble a true playoff contender. But at least they found more foundation players who can help turnaround a dismal team.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
