The Washington Wizards are having a predictably dreadful year record-wise. However, this means the D.C.-based team will secure a high pick and a chance to pick up a potential franchise cornerstone in the upcoming NBA draft. While not as loaded with star-studded names, this draft is teeming with prospects that can change this team’s fortune.
NBA Draft Prospects The Wizards Should Target
Isaiah Collier
Washington’s roster is barren enough that drafting the best talent available is a viable strategy. If that is the route taken then USC freshman Isaiah Collier would be worth a look.
Collier’s physical tools and playmaking potential are his biggest selling points. At 6’5 and 210 pounds the lead man can muscle his way into positions. When you combine that with fluid athleticism, a sharp eye for a pass, and a high defensive motor, you get a very intriguing draft prospect.
One thing that Collier needs to improve is his jump shot. 15.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 50.6/31.3/66.3 splits paints the picture of a player who can get to the rim at will, but could stand to work on his shooting touch if he wants to keep defenses honest at the next level. Fortunately, the guard isn’t scared to shoot the rock. With 5.9 three-point attempts a game, it shows a willingness to try and make the defense pay for sagging off on him, something many slashing guards hesitate to even try.
Another issue Collier has is turnovers. With an average of 3.6 turnovers per game, the guard leads the entire NCAA in the stat total. This is largely due to Collier’s willingness to try very risky passes. Long skip passes to the corner, threading needles to big men off of screens, and off-balance drives and kicks are passes Collier will try. While these are leading to wasted possessions, you have to appreciate the attempts. With more time and experience, the guard will know when to keep it simple and when to aim for the extraordinary.
Collier is a player that will need some refining at the next level. If the Wizards aren’t interested in a project, they have other options in this NBA draft.
Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher is a player the Wizards could draft if they wanted a more malleable player for their team. Risacher is one of the most refined in this NBA draft while being a 6’9, 200-pound forward. He is composed with the ball, has good off-the-ball movement, is a solid playmaker, and can score at all three levels with little difficulty.
Currently, the eighteen-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 50/41.4/72.6 splits. The flaws that Risacher have more to do with his athleticism than anything fundamental. He is not the fastest or the most vertically gifted but he is capable of making up for that with a refined skillset and astute reading of the game. Risacher also gives a lot of effort on the defensive end, aiming to be as disruptive as possible.
At just eighteen years old, Risacher shows gobs of offensive talent. This talent is combined with a great feel for the game and a high motor. Due to these traits, the young forward is a lottery pick and someone any team would love to have.
NBA Draft Sleepers
Dynasties are not just built off of getting the obvious picks right. Being able to find value in the later rounds can bolster your team for years. Here are a few sleepers the Wizards could target for this draft as well.
Pelle Larson is a senior guard for the University of Arizona who can do everything at a high level. He has good size for a guard at 6’6, spaces the floor at a good level, is a pesky defender, and is capable of being a nice secondary ball handler.
Hampton forward Jerry Deng has shown plenty of ability as a rangy floor spacer. When you combine that with a 6’9 frame that can get stronger you have a prospect that plenty of NBA would love to have.
Virginia wing Ryan Dunn has been shooting up draft boards recently. This is due to having freakish athletic tools along with excellent defensive fundamentals. Anyone who drafts the sophomore would be getting an immediate impact defender.
This NBA draft class is getting a lot of flak from fans. The main reason for this is due to the lack of a bonafide star at the top of the lottery. However, there is plenty of talent spread across this draft at the higher and lower levels. If a competent scouting department can spot some of these hidden gems then there will be a lot of pay raises for them in the future.
