Washington allows teams to shoot 47% from the field and 26.4 attempted free throws per game, both 26th in the league, and their 72.6% defensive rebound rate is second to last in the NBA, per Basketball-Reference.īut for general manager Ernie Grunfeld, whose job status has to be up in the air, we'd think, breaking this team up is going to be hard to do, to paraphrase Neil Sedaka. and Kelly Oubre–have combined to miss just one game. Only the LeBron-less Cleveland Cavaliers allow more points per 100 possessions than these Wizards, even though their four core players-Wall, Beal and forwards Otto Porter Jr. Plugged in NBA insider Nate Jones wondered aloud how much longer the losing could go on for the Wizards, to which ESPN insider Bobby Marks replied: " blood is in the water, and teams know that." He’s a solid veteran that, when in the game, will make limited mistakes and give you solid production.After a 5-11 start with the league's second-worst defense, poor chemistry-Dwight Howard can do that to a team-a head coach embarrassed by the team's effort and a roster constructed with little to no financial flexibility, the Washington Wizards are reportedly coming to the realization that things are just not working as currently constituted.Ī bombshell report Monday morning from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that Wizards management are giving teams the impression that every player on its roster, including the All-Star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal, is available via trade. After back-to-back home losses to Brooklyn and Portland over the weekend where they gave up 115 and 119 points respectively, there was increasing buzz that major changes could be brewing in Washington. I believe he should be on the active roster throughout the regular season. If Smith keeps playing well then he shouldn’t be to concerned. But, don’t be surprised if later he is added to the inactive spot once these individuals come back from injury. Both Howard and Bryant have injuries which will cause them to miss some time at the beginning of the season. Meeks not so much at the beginning of the season due to his suspension for a drug violation, but he’s a streaking 3-point shooter that is going to benefit from this quicker offense.ĭespite all this, Smith will end up starting the season on the active roster. Right now he’s in competition for that last roster spot.īryant, Devin Robinson, and Jodie Meeks are all candidates to steal that last spot. Should the team start investing in some of the young talent like Thomas Bryant and give them those end of the bench minutes? The team can carry 12 active players per game. The Wizards are going to have to make a tough decision here soon. He’s been a serviceable center throughout each season. Smith is entering his 11th season in the NBA. Veteran leadership is vital role that is largely overlooked when predicting or assembling a roster and Smith brings that presence.
He can consistently knock down the open jump shot and is good at the pick and pop plays. On the positive side, Smith is one of the best players on the current Wizards roster at spacing the floor. Smith is going up against younger talent with length and versatility, which might cause the end to be in sight. Like I’ve said previously, the Wizards have arguably constructed the deepest roster that they’ve had over the past decade.
The challenges just might be to hard for Smith to overcome. This is exactly the kind of production that any team would be looking for in a big man off the bench. He’s averaged 11 points and 4.7 rebounds in about 18. This puts Smith in an awkward position heading into the regular season.ĭuring the past four games of preseason, Smith has shown that he still deserves not only a roster spot, but playing time as well. And Thomas Bryant has show tremendous promise during the preseason. It doesn’t just end there, the team signed dominant big man, Dwight Howard to assume the starting center responsibilities.
#2018 washington wizards roster full#
Unfortunately for Smith, Mahinmi is full healthy and looks great. Ian Mahinmi has been on the Wizards roster for the past two years as well, but has been mostly injured throughout that time. For the past two seasons, Smith has been the primary back up for Marcin Gortat at the center position. It’s no question that Smith has been a solid center not just for the Wizards, but every team that he’s played for. He signed a three-year contract worth $16 million in the summer of 2016 to join Washington as a free agent. Washington Wizards center, Jason Smith, exercised his player option on his contract to return for the 2018-19 season this offseason. Smith, 32, will be back for his third season with the Wizards. By Ben Vasconcellos 4 years ago Jason Smith has played well for the Washington Wizards, but past experience might not be enough for him to be a lock to make the roster.
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