The Wizards’ draft chances just took a turn for the worse. With the second-best odds in the entire lottery and tied for the best odds at the number one pick, the Wizards fell all the way to number six. What does this mean for the front office? With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper out of reach, who will they take their chances on?
The Wizards lost out on their franchise-altering superstar in this year’s draft. To add insult to injury, Washington may miss out on the NBA-molded players. They may have to select the player with the highest ceiling available. This draft, although the top two picks are considered franchise-defining, is not significantly stronger than the fields of the past two drafts. With that in mind, what will the Wizards do?
The Consequences of the Wizards Falling to Sixth in Draft Lottery
Possible Selections
If the Wizards decide to draft someone at sixth, you can expect one of these names: Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, or Khaman Maluach. While missing out on Flagg and Harper was no doubt hard, what’s even worse is that after VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey are selected, the rest of the field is banking on what they could become. Some are far superior on offense with much to prove on defense, or vice versa.
The Wizards will need to select carefully, as this draft will further fill out the depth they are building in Washington. Queen and Fears provide instant offensive threats, with defense needing to be focused on as they prepare for their NBA debuts. Maluach provides a defensive anchor in the paint, but won’t be much of a problem outside of the paint on offense. This undoubtedly throws a wrinkle into the rebuild process for the Wizards, but all three of these players would benefit Washington in some manner, heading into the future.
Trade Options?
Queen, Fears, and Maluach could prove to be solid NBA players. However, the Wizards may feel it would be more beneficial to send the pick somewhere else or use it to trade up. If the pick is traded, Washington wouldn’t need to worry about signing a potential-heavy rookie to a big deal. With that out of the way, they would switch their attention to free agency. Or they could trade up to picks two through five.
There could be a few different trade packages that Washington looks at. Marcus Smart has been in the rumor mill since the season ended. Malcolm Brogdon and Richuan Holmes are also two flippable assets, being able to provide solid minutes off the bench. Brogdon’s contract expires after next season, making him a more interesting asset when paired with the sixth selection.
Another package could be in the form of their other picks. The sixth pick is on the edge of the better talent pool. The Wizards may try to exchange their sixth and 18th pick to move up to fifth or fourth. While the Hornets and Jazz are both in the same situation as Washington, they could feel pressure to move without the security Flagg and Harper provide.
The Last Word
This was the worst possible situation the Wizards could be in. Firmly out of the top talent pool and looking at their rebuild being extended by a season or two. They could stay at sixth and hope they can mold their selection into a cornerstone for the franchise, or try and flip the pick for some assets. Either way, the offseason just got a lot more interesting for the Wizards, and more brutal for the fanbase.
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