The Washington Wizards certainly have a roster full of surprises this season. Alex Sarr has taken a massive jump on both ends of the floor, now leading the league in blocks. Kyshawn George has proven he’s a top 10 player from the 2024 NBA Draft class. Washington’s latest 10-day contract player may prove, however, to be the biggest surprise this season.
Should The Washington Wizards Bring Back This G-League Stud?
Skal Labissiere was drafted with the 28th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. By 2020, Labissiere would find himself out of the NBA, battling to stay on a roster in the G-League. Eventually, the big man would find himself unemployed. After not playing at all in the 2021-22 season, Labissiere would make his return, and this is where his revival story begins. Now with his 10-day contract over, should the Wizards look to bring him back for the long term?
Fall And Get Back Up
Labissiere has slowly emerged from a difficult situation and is now one of the best players in the G-League with a shot at cracking the Wizards’ rotation permanently. After being brought up on a ten-day contract, Labissiere proved that after falling, it’s always better to get back up.
He’s averaged a near double-double in the G-League over the last two campaigns, both being 16+ points and 8+ rebounds seasons. This season, Labissiere has been elite. He’s averaged 20.7 points and 7.1 rebounds over 15 games. When Cam Whitmore suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, the team would look for replacements.
Labissiere was the first G-League name brought up, signing a 10-day contract with the Wizards. The big man played three games for the Wizards and contributed well in his 12.7 minutes per contest. He averaged 4.3 points, three rebounds, and one assist over his few appearances. While those numbers aren’t outstanding, he got his real opportunity against the team that drafted him: the Sacramento Kings.
Labissiere would play 27 minutes against the Kings. He would end up scoring 13 points, grabbing seven rebounds with two assists and three steals (blocks + steals). The Wizards’ bench played outstandingly, and Labissiere was a major contributor on the night. He would score 10+ for the first time in over seven years (2,227 days) in an NBA uniform.
New Opportunities?
Unquestionably, Washington has been heavily reliant on the Capital City Go-Go this season. Will Riley, Jamir Watkins, and Labissiere are just a few names that have seen time in both jerseys this season. The Wizards have been constantly dipping their toes in the G-League, and it could become a new “tryout” opportunity with the franchise.
After Labissiere’s contract expired, Washington reportedly signed Keshon Gilbert to the same deal. Undoubtedly, Gilbert will receive his opportunity to provide meaningful contributions to an NBA roster. After Gilbert, the Wizards could go in a multitude of different directions. With his play in D.C, Labissiere could be a top option.
The Last Word
Washington has a deep roster, so much so that it extends to their G-League affiliate. With their new All-Star pairing, the Wizards may be looking for their last role player for a postseason run next season. Could Labissiere be that guy, or will the front office pivot in another direction?
Featured Image: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
