Official 2013 Draft Thread - Part IV

[sfam]

It makes good sense to use our early 2nd on another guard. I doubt Shane Larkin lasts, but Wolters, Eric Green or the real Pierre will still be there. Bennett and a serviceable backup guard would be a nice get. I'd like Ryan Kelly as well but doubt we use the second #2.

[DCZards]

If the Forwards are solidified through the draft and the MLE, there are a few ways to address depth in the backcourt:

The second round pick might have Nate Wolters or Erick Green available, who seem like they could fill the 3rd guard role for the Wizards.

I've been on the Erick Green bandwagon for a few weeks because I thought he'd be a good combo guard at the next level and a possible second round pick for the Zards. I'm a little concerned now about his ability to play SG since he measured at only 6-3 with shoes at the combine. I thought Green was a solid 6-4.

Green does seem to be climbing in some of the mock drafts. I've seen a couple mocks where he's now slotted as a late first round pick.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Just curious with all the shabazz talk, what do you think about Bullock as a shabazz SF alternative later in the draft?

To me he looks like a good fit for us. Maybe take a big with our top pick, and Bullock at 37, or maybe try to move up from 37 for him if needed?

I think Bullock could be a good fit for the Wizards, especially if they can get him in the 2nd round. I'd prefer him to Muhammad. I think Bullock has a good chance to be a better pro than Muhammad.

I like Bullock more than Muhammed. Bullock is a solid shooter if they just want to send him to D-league. Webster and Ariza will play SF ahead of him.

Personally, I would much rather see the Wizards draft Muscala, Wolters, Stephens, or Zeke Marshall for the disparate skills they would add.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Verbal8, I keep forgetting Erick Green. I will be pleased with Green in round two because he can play PG. He or Wolters can replace Price/Temple.

[nate33]

But I'm concerned that we're going to be left with a paper thin back court rotation with no suitable backups after we draft a SF/PF/C with the 8th pick and use the MLE on Webster. Maybe we don't need to solve every hole in our roster this offseason, and we could address the back court depth issue next offseason through the draft and free agency. But I'm impatient, so I want a back court upgrade! hahaha

But if we use the MLE to address the combo-guard hole, we would merely be generating a depth problem at the SF position.

Essentially, excluding free agency this summer, we are just one man deep at the PG, SG and SF positions. We have only Wall, Beal and Ariza. We need to use the MLE to address depth at one of the spots.

The way I see things, at least Wall and Beal will be around for the next 5-7 years so we know that at least two of the starting roles are locked up. Ariza is gone in just one year, so by addressing the SF depth problem first, we also address the SF starter problem that will manifest in 2014.

[jivelikenice]

If you draft a 4/5 and re-sign Martell; the combo guard is hard to address this offseason

If you draft a SF; you can still address it by trading Ariza or not re-signing Martell and using the MLE elsewhere

If you draft CJ McCollum, you're fine at SF with Webster/Ariza and you go with what you have up front until we open up cap room next offseason.

Any way you slice it, its hard to address all needs this offseason nor should we expect that; but the combo guard is a big one to me because of how dependent this team is on Wall. If he misses any sizeable amount of time(maybe even 3-4 weeks); and AJ Price is the backup, it will be tough to overcome.

[AFM]

Nivek I was comparing Bazz to QRich's pro career. Apples to oranges maybe, but QRich shot in the mid 30% for the majority of his career. Take a look at his stats, he was a surprisingly inefficient player. He never shot the 2, the 3, or FTs better than shabazz does now.
Which is weird because I remember him as a good player in my youth.

[jivelikenice]

But I'm concerned that we're going to be left with a paper thin back court rotation with no suitable backups after we draft a SF/PF/C with the 8th pick and use the MLE on Webster. Maybe we don't need to solve every hole in our roster this offseason, and we could address the back court depth issue next offseason through the draft and free agency. But I'm impatient, so I want a back court upgrade! hahaha

But if we use the MLE to address the combo-guard hole, we would merely be generating a depth problem at the SF position.

Essentially, excluding free agency this summer, we are just one man deep at the PG, SG and SF positions. We have only Wall, Beal and Ariza. We need to use the MLE to address depth at one of the spots.

The way I see things, at least Wall and Beal will be around for the next 5-7 years so we know that at least two of the starting roles are locked up. Ariza is gone in just one year, so by addressing the SF depth problem first, we also address the SF starter problem that will manifest in 2014.

I agree with the gist of what you're saying Nate, but I also think you can address SF depth with a low level free agent like a Wes Johnson who could very well have a Webster type of impact here playing next to Wall. That being said, I'd be shocked if Webster coming back wasn't a done deal so no reason to rehash this debate. Maybe they can trade for one (using Ariza) & still get a Wes Johnson type of back up for Webster.

[Nivek]

Zards: Where would you envision the Wizards taking Green?

[Nivek]

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating -- The Wizards have needs or pending needs at every position. They have the luxury of picking the best available player in the draft with each one of their picks.

[nate33]

I agree with the gist of what you're saying Nate, but I also think you can address SF depth with a low level free agent like a Wes Johnson who could very well have a Webster type of impact here playing next to Wall. That being said, I'd be shocked if Webster coming back wasn't a done deal so no reason to rehash this debate. Maybe they can trade for one (using Ariza) & still get a Wes Johnson type of back up for Webster.

But why can't you also address the combo guard position with a low level free agent. What makes combo guard so much harder to fill than SF?

[Nivek]

Nivek I was comparing Bazz to QRich's pro career. Apples to oranges maybe, but QRich shot in the mid 30% for the majority of his career. Take a look at his stats, he was a surprisingly inefficient player. He never shot the 2, the 3, or FTs better than shabazz does now.
Which is weird because I remember him as a good player in my youth.

I sorta see where you're coming from. It's not a good comparison because the NBA is a much higher level of competition than college ball. Comparing them at the same level, Richardson was more productive.

Your comparison of the two is kinda damning of Muhammad, actually. If he shoots the ball as well in the pros as Richardson did, and then assume he rebounds about half as well as Richardson did...you have an inefficient player who doesn't produce much of anything else. It's basically Nick Young.

I think your memory of Richardson isn't bad, though. He always rebounded well for his position and he could shoot the three. He had a handful of seasons that rated above average in PPA. Overall, his career was probably a disappointment, but he was a decent player for a few years.

[rockymac52]

I agree with the gist of what you're saying Nate, but I also think you can address SF depth with a low level free agent like a Wes Johnson who could very well have a Webster type of impact here playing next to Wall. That being said, I'd be shocked if Webster coming back wasn't a done deal so no reason to rehash this debate. Maybe they can trade for one (using Ariza) & still get a Wes Johnson type of back up for Webster.

But why can't you also address the combo guard position with a low level free agent. What makes combo guard so much harder to fill than SF?

The fact that your backup SF can be a one trick pony of sorts, a specialist. You can get away with having a backup SF who can shoot the 3 ball lights out but not do much else, but it's a lot harder to get away with having a specialist playing PG.

And of course, a PG has a much bigger influence on the game and the team's success than a SF normally, because he has the ball in his hands and runs the offense. If your backup PG is terrible, your entire offense is likely going to be terrible when he's on the floor. On the other hand, if your backup SF is terrible, you can easily hide him and continue to have a productive team when he's on the floor.

[DCZards]

Zards: Where would you envision the Wizards taking Green?

I think they'd have to consider using their first second round pick on Green, assuming he's available and the Zards don't take a McCollum (or another guard) with the first round pick. I doubt Green will still be available late in the second round where the Zards have another pick.

[jivelikenice]

I agree with the gist of what you're saying Nate, but I also think you can address SF depth with a low level free agent like a Wes Johnson who could very well have a Webster type of impact here playing next to Wall. That being said, I'd be shocked if Webster coming back wasn't a done deal so no reason to rehash this debate. Maybe they can trade for one (using Ariza) & still get a Wes Johnson type of back up for Webster.

But why can't you also address the combo guard position with a low level free agent. What makes combo guard so much harder to fill than SF?

You can, but it seems like there's less available at that position in FA than there is at 2/3. Maybe an Udrih or a Roddy B. signs for the biannual exception?? A CJ Watson type is also an option but can they really keep you afloat if Wall pulls a hamstring and is out for 3-4 weeks? The team is so dependent on him that its a little scary not to have a good insurance policy.

[No-Man]

Larkin with be perfect with the 2nd

[Nivek]

Zards: Where would you envision the Wizards taking Green?

I think they'd have to consider using their first second round pick on Green, assuming he's available and the Zards don't take a McCollum (or another guard) with the first round pick. I doubt Green will still be available late in the second round where the Zards have another pick.

I could see picking him there. I suspect there will be better prospects available at that spot, but he might be worth that early 2nd. There are several guys I have rated higher who are projected to be available when the Wizards pick in the 2nd. I'd rather take a shot one of those guys and hope Green is still around later. Or, I'd just try and buy a pick in the 2nd and take him there.

[pancakes3]

I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating -- The Wizards have needs or pending needs at every position. They have the luxury of picking the best available player in the draft with each one of their picks.

I agree. Just because there are 4 backup frontcourt players (Ves, Booker, Seraphin, Singleton) and 2 backup backcourt players (Temple, Price) doesn't mean the frontcourt is any deeper from a talent perspective.

That said, I think Erik Murphy is at the top of the priority list - a power forward with 3 point range. Erick Green is a notch below, but still valuable seeing as how he can back up both guard positions. But really, any of Muscala, Bullock, Wolters, CJ Leslie, etc. would be valuable.

[FAH1223]

Shabazz Muhammad: I'm the best player in the NBA Draft! | ProBasketballTalk


UCLA swingman Shabazz Muhammad out to change perceptions before NBA draft | The Washington Post

[tontoz]

Zards: Where would you envision the Wizards taking Green?

I think they'd have to consider using their first second round pick on Green, assuming he's available and the Zards don't take a McCollum (or another guard) with the first round pick. I doubt Green will still be available late in the second round where the Zards have another pick.

I could see picking him there. I suspect there will be better prospects available at that spot, but he might be worth that early 2nd. There are several guys I have rated higher who are projected to be available when the Wizards pick in the 2nd. I'd rather take a shot one of those guys and hope Green is still around later. Or, I'd just try and buy a pick in the 2nd and take him there.

This team needs depth so badly that buying a pick, especially late first round, makes sense. I can't see them doing it though.