Wizards owner Ted Leonsis considers Daniel Gafford a “core piece,” which is why the organization chose to give the young big man an extension, as he told Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.
“I think he’s a core piece. To have a center that young with that kind of defensive presence, I think you saw that (in Wednesday’s opener),” Leonsis said. “People were thinking twice before coming into the lane. A couple of blocks kind of gets in their head. We haven’t had that kind of size, skill and leaping ability in a long, long time.”
Gafford’s three-year extension is worth $40.2MM.
We have more on the Wizards:
- Bradley Beal missed the team’s 135-134 overtime win over Indiana on Friday with a right hip contusion, Hughes tweets. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. is optimistic Beal will return to action on Monday at Brooklyn, according to The Associated Press.
- The franchise has a max extension offer on the table for Beal but Leonsis isn’t fretting over the fact his star player is taking a wait-and-see approach, Hughes writes in a separate story. Beal can choose to opt out after this season if he wants to seek a new opportunity or if he wants to maximize his earnings with the Wizards. “Brad and I have a very respectful, very honest relationship. … He will obviously always do what’s right for his family. We will do what’s right for the organization,” Leonsis said. “I believe — and I think he believes — that there is synergy in what’s best for him and what’s best for us. It’s not something he’s obsessing over or we’re obsessing over.”
- Key offseason addition Spencer Dinwiddie carried the team to its overtime win on Friday with 34 points and nine assists. Dinwiddie, acquired in a sign-and-trade, made several clutch 3-pointers and calls himself one of the league’s best in that department, Ava Wallace of the Washington Post writes. “Look, I get it, I’m not the sexiest name, nor do I [pretend to be] Dame [Lillard] or Steph [Curry] or none of those guys. But those things happen; the proof is in the pudding,” he said. “Like, game-winning shots, we can go on YouTube and look at mine. And if Brad’s out, I probably will be the one taking those most times, I would say.”
I remember all the Dimwits. Who dissed Dinwiddie. Swallow this line ……..
Wizards 2 – 0.
Dinwiddie – 13 pts, 6 ast, 4 reb in 26 mins
Dinwiddie – 34 pts, 9 ast, 6 reb in 35 mins
Even though I love Kemba. I’d still take Dinwiddie as my starting PG. He’s a big 2way PG. And I just love that. Keep it up player, rooting for you.
There’s no doubt that the Wizards are a better team now without Russ.
It’s funny how so many Lakers fans during the offseason were acting like their LeBron/AD/Westbrook Big 3 was comparable to the LeBron/D-Wade/Bosh combo in Miami that reached the Finals in 4 straight seasons.
Crickets ……..
I thought Dinwiddie was a great fit for Washington. He is good at both ends, can take over games and score in the clutch like the other day but can also take a back seat to a star like Beal. He can be a threat himself or set others up. Isn’t an ego freak, seems quite smart, and a good leader.
I just think the Wizards need to ‘trim the fat’ and instead of having a bunch of decent young players they get some upgrades.
For example at SF/PF they have Kispert, Avdija, Hachimura, Kuzma, Bertans and Todd. All of them are kinda young and inexperienced, a lot of them haven’t settled 100% into 1 position they often play both forward spots.
For example I’d like to see them go for Myles Turner. Maybe Bryant, Avdija and a first for Turner.
Then you have a starting line up of Dinwiddie Beal Kuzma Hachimura and Turner. With Holiday KCP Kispert Bertans Gafford off the bench. Plus trade away Harrell at to a contender for a protected first.
It would represent something better for playoff contention but still young and on the come up.
I think they move Beal at deadline. They can really upgrade team that way. By draft and young players. Look at Knicks, Hornets, Bulls, Hawks. All built thru draft and good signings. Beal is worth a lot to a team. I do it.
Yeah yeah ultimately I think Beal leaves. I doubt it’s at the deadline cause I can’t see him leaving mid season and quitting in his team.
I think Wizards just make the playoffs or play in games atleast and then he leaves.
Then you’re right build through the draft and FA and stuff. They have a solid enough young core. However I think if they have up a little bit of the that young talent for someone like Turner who is an upgrade and makes them a better side while still being relatively young should be the option they go. That way that certainly make the playoffs and could be a chance at a first round upset. Then Beal is more likely to stay cause he can see the direction the team is going and the fact they are building around him.