The Draft is finally here! About a week ago, lakersnation.com reported that the Pelicans wanted to construct a 3-team deal with the Lakers and the Wizards where the Pelicans would have ended up with Bradley Beal. The deal most likely would’ve looked something like:
Wizards receive: Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and the 4th overall pick
Lakers Recieve: Anthony Davis
Pelicans Receive: Bradley Beal and a future first-round pick via the Lakers
Unfortunately, that did not happen, and the Pelicans and Lakers went on to make a blockbuster deal that sent AD to the Lakers. On top of that, it has since been reported by multiple outlets that the Wizards have no plans to trade Bradley Beal this summer anyways. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen, but it is hard to know what the future holds because the Wizards still have not named a long-term GM. So, as of right now, the Wizards have Bradley Beal on the roster and hold the 9th overall pick in tonight’s draft.
There are a few different directions that the Wizards could go in with the draft tonight. However, after failing to make a 3-team deal with the Pelicans and Lakers, I do not believe moving up or adding another top pick is a legitimate option for them anymore. With the draft order as it is right now, I think the Wizards will draft Sekou Doumbouya out of France at 9.
The 6’9″ international SF/PF is just 18 years old and has a ton of upside. His game is extremely unpolished as of now, but that is to be expected given his age. His defensive game is way ahead of his offense, but I expect the rest of his game to come along nicely in the next couple of years similar to a Pascal Siakam type of player. Even though his 3 ball is extremely inconsistent, his form is solid, so as he gets older/more confident, I expect his outside shot to continue to improve. After watching his highlights, it seems to me that he needs to improve the most at finishing through traffic and shooting off of the dribble. Most mock drafts have him going somewhere from 9 to 11, so I would not at all be opposed to the Wizards taking him at 9 if no projected top prospects fall in tonight’s draft.
Other Possible Scenarios
Cam Reddish
I could definitely see the draft order in the top 10 having a shake-up or two. A very likely shake up, in my opinion, would be a trade between the Pelicans and the Hawks where the Hawks send 8 and 10 to the Pelicans to move up to 4. If that were to happen, I could definitely see Cam Reddish falling down past his projected draft slot of 8. If he is available, the Wizards should take him without hesitation.
Reddish is long, smooth, and has HUGE upside. He was very inconsistent during his freshman year at Duke but was playing alongside two ball dominant players in Zion Williamson and RJ Barret. With a smooth stroke, a strong handle, and a 7’1″ wingspan, he would be a very hard prospect to pass up if he falls to 9.
Trade Down
Keldon Johnson out of Kentucky worked out with the Wizards during the pre-draft process, and if he impressed, the Wizards could consider trading down a few slots to get him at a more reasonable price. Johnson is a 6’6″ SF that has a very good shooting stroke, can finish through contact, and is a solid defender. He is a guy that I think would be able to come in and contribute right away. By trading down, they would most likely be able to add another current or future draft asset also.
Others
Nassir Little- Earlier this week, Little worked out for the Wizards with his college teammate Coby White. Little is a 6’7″ SF from UNC who was underwhelming his freshman year considering the amount of hype surrounding him coming out of high school. However, he has good size, is very athletic, and has time to polish out his offensive game.
Coby White- The 6’5″ combo guard out of UNC was very impressive in his lone year at UNC. He can score, distribute, and is very, very fast. I would be shocked if he wasn’t off of the board by the time the Wizards are on the clock, but if he is somehow available, the Wizards would not pass him up.
I hope you all are as excited for the draft as I am! I will be watching tonight in Chicago and will try to keep you all updated on moves made early in the night on Twitter at @BoosBulletsBlog. GoWizards!
Boo On The Bullets 