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Wizards Notes: Starting SF, Bryant, Wall

October 16th, 2019 at 7:58pm CST by clarkcrum

Who will be the starter at small forward for the Wizards when the regular season opens up one week from today? According to the candidates laid out by Candace Buckner of The Washington Post, the race is down to three – Isaac Bonga, Admiral Schofield, and Jordan McRae – after Justin Anderson was waived earlier today.

With Bradley Beal and Ish Smith set in the backcourt and rookie first-rounder Rui Hachimura and big man Thomas Bryant likely to start up front, it’s down to Bonga, Schofield, or McRae to join that foursome in the starting lineup with both Troy Brown Jr. and C.J. Miles out injured.

“It’s still open,” head coach Scott Brooks said. “We got a lot of guys that are fighting for opportunities and, like I said, it’s not just talk — it’s wide open. Especially with all of the injuries, it’s really wide open.”

As Buckner notes, the Wizards should really opt to go with Bonga or Schofield if they are serious about a youth movement. But McRae is a scrappy veteran used to fighting for a roster spot, so it will be interesting to monitor the small forward position moving forward in Washington.

There’s more from the Wizards:

  • As Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington notes, the Wizards’ best chance to improve on defense lies with the aforementioned Bryant. The 22-year-old youngster hasn’t been much of a rim protector previously, but he possesses some natural abilities that suggest he has the potential to become one. Said Bryant, “I have to be one of those guys to make a big difference. A big man can be the anchor for the defense. I have to take that responsibility to heart every day, whether it’s in practice or the game.”
  • In another piece for NBC Sports Washington, Hughes relays that injured point guard John Wall suffered another infection after his Achilles surgery that delayed him getting out of his walking boot. “For me to be where I’m at right now, with all the setbacks and infections and then finding out my Achilles was ruptured and then going through another infection, it was like ‘man, when can I ever get past that point of just getting out of the boot and walking?'”
  • And in yet another article, Hughes writes how Wall is embracing his role as an assistant coach while out injured. Wall says this season will give him an idea of whether he wants to get into coaching someday. “I think this year will tell me whether I can be a coach or not… I think you have to have a lot of patience and you’ve gotta know how to interact with every player. Every player’s attitudes and character and mood swings are totally different. I learned from when a coach tried to coach me when I was young and I wasn’t the guy to coach.”
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Wizards Sign Anzejs Pasecniks To Exhibit 10 Contract

October 16th, 2019 at 1:23pm CST by Luke Adams

1:23pm: The Wizards have officially signed Pasecniks, the team announced today in a press release. Washington also confirmed the signing of Jalen Jones, which we noted in a separate story. The club has waived Justin Anderson, Jemerrio Jones, and Phil Booth, leaving 19 players on the roster.

11:12am: The Wizards have reached an agreement to sign former first-round pick Anzejs Pasecniks, sources tell Fred Katz of The Athletic (Twitter link). It’ll be an Exhibit 10 deal, Katz adds (via Twitter).

Pasecniks, a seven-footer from Latvia, was acquired by the Sixers on draft night in 2017 after he was selected with the 25th overall pick by Orlando. However, he continued his career overseas for the last two seasons, playing for Spanish team Gran Carania.

The 23-year-old was interested in coming stateside this year, but was seemingly no longer in the Sixers’ plans, having initially been acquired by the team’s old Bryan Colangelo-led regime. Philadelphia renounced his NBA rights, generating some extra cap room and clearing a path for him to join the Wizards for Summer League play.

Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington reported last month (via Twitter) that Pasecniks was expected to play for the Capital City Go-Go in the G League this season. Signing him to an NBA contract will ensure that the Wizards can designate him as an affiliate player, while the Exhibit 10 clause will make him eligible for a bonus worth up to $50K if he spends at least 60 days with the Go-Go.

Washington currently has a full 20-man roster, so the team will have to make a cut to create an opening for Pasecniks.

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Wizards Waive Justin Anderson, Others; Sign Jalen Jones

October 16th, 2019 at 11:28am CST by Luke Adams

After reporting earlier today that the Wizards are signing Anzejs Pasecniks, Fred Katz of The Athletic has the details on several more roster moves made by the team. According to Katz (Twitter links), Washington has waived Justin Anderson, Jemerrio Jones, and Phil Booth, using one of the newly-opened roster spots to sign Jalen Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract.

Booth, an undrafted rookie out of Villanova, is expected to join the Capital City Go-Go – the Wizards’ G League affiliate – for training camp later this month, per Katz. It’s not clear what the next steps will be for Anderson and Jones.

Anderson, the 21st overall pick in the 2015 draft, spent last season with the Hawks, recording 3.7 PPG and 1.8 RPG in 48 games (9.6 MPG). He averaged 9.8 PPG with a .385 3PT% in four preseason games for Washington, though his most memorable moment came when he mixed it up with Marcus Morris, goading the Knicks forward into a Flagrant 2 foul and an ejection.

Jemerrio Jones, meanwhile, was one of three Wizards players acquired from the Lakers as part of the three-team Anthony Davis blockbuster. He played limited minutes in three preseason contests for the club. Jones received a partial guarantee worth just under $200K as a result of his inclusion in the Davis deal, so Washington will have to keep that dead money on its cap this season.

Jalen Jones, a 6’7″ forward out of Texas A&M, has appeared in 32 total games for the Pelicans, Mavericks, and Cavaliers over the last two seasons. He was waived from his two-way contract with Cleveland back in January and finished the 2018/19 season with Baskonia in Spain.

With three players released and two signed, Washington would have 19 players under contract, leaving one opening on its preseason roster.

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2019/20 Over/Unders: Southeast Division

October 16th, 2019 at 10:28am CST by Luke Adams

The 2019/20 NBA regular season will get underway in just six days, which means it’s time to get serious about predictions for the upcoming campaign.

With the help of the lines from a handful of sports betting sites, including Bovada and BetOnline, we’re running through the predicted win totals for each of the NBA’s 30 teams, by division. In a series of team-by-team polls, you’ll get the chance to weigh in on whether you think those forecasts are too optimistic or too pessimistic.

Having already looked at the Atlantic, Northwest, Central, and Pacific, we’re moving onto the Southeast today…

Miami Heat

Trade Rumors app users, click here for Heat poll.

Orlando Magic

Trade Rumors app users, click here for Magic poll.

Atlanta Hawks

Trade Rumors app users, click here for Hawks poll.

Washington Wizards

Trade Rumors app users, click here for Wizards poll.

Charlotte Hornets

Trade Rumors app users, click here for Hornets poll.

Previous voting results:

Atlantic:

  • Philadelphia 76ers (54.5 wins): Over (54.9%)
  • Boston Celtics (49.5 wins): Under (57.0%)
  • Toronto Raptors (46.5 wins): Under (59.1%)
  • Brooklyn Nets (43.5 wins): Over (58.3%)
  • New York Knicks (27.5 wins): Under (54.9%)

Northwest:

  • Denver Nuggets (53.5 wins): Over (51.8%)
  • Utah Jazz (53.5 wins): Under (50.8%)
  • Portland Trail Blazers (46.5 wins): Over (78.7%)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves (35.5 wins): Under (57.5%)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (32.5 wins): Under (55.1%)

Central:

  • Milwaukee Bucks (57.5 wins): Over (63.5%)
  • Indiana Pacers (46.5 wins): Over (56.6%)
  • Detroit Pistons (37.5 wins): Over (69.8%)
  • Chicago Bulls (33.5 wins): Under (56.2%)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers (24.5 wins): Under (70.0%)

Pacific:

  • Los Angeles Clippers (54.5 wins): Over (53.9%)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (51.5 wins): Over (50.3%)
  • Golden State Warriors (48.5 wins): Over (54.3%)
  • Sacramento Kings (38.5 wins): Over (66.2%)
  • Phoenix Suns (29.5 wins): Under (61.8%)
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Wizards’ Frontcourt Additions Gaining Familiarity

October 15th, 2019 at 7:24pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Wizards revamped their frontcourt this offseason, acquiring Davis Bertans from the Spurs and netting Moritz Wagner in a package from the Lakers, and Washington is using the preseason to get the pair acclimated. Both big men can knock down the three-ball with ease and Wagner feels that playing next to the sharp-shooting power forward has made his life easier on the court, as he recently told Hoops Rumors and other media members.

“It’s fun. I mean, he’s a killer,” Wagner said of Bertans after a recent preseason game against the Bucks. “He doesn’t really care if he misses, so he lets a fly all the time. It makes my life easier because all I have to do is really set good screens and be solid defensively. It’s unbelievable to play with him, all these guys honestly. They do an incredible job, play tough as heck. It’s a lot of fun.”

Bertans’ shooting was a major reason why the Wizards traded for him this offseason. The Latvian made 42.9% of his three-pointers last season, though the team knows he isn’t a one-trick pony.

“[Bertans] one of the best shooting bigs in the league and we’re lucky to have him and that’s a great addition to our ballclub over the summer,” Coach Scott Brooks told the media, including Hoops Rumors, on Sunday.

“We knew what we were getting, and it was under the radar how good he was going to be for us because a lot of time shooters don’t get the same respect. But he’s great. We love him. I like how he plays, I like how he competes. On the defense he contests shots. And when I talked to Pop [Gregg Popovich] over the summer, that’s when he said you’re going to be surprised defensively, he contests shots and he chases over screens. He gives you multiple efforts, he’s not just a jump shooter.”

How many minutes Wagner and Bertans will spend together on the court remains to be seen. Bradley Beal and Bryant are locks to start and Ish Smith—by virtue of being the only healthy veteran point guard available—will likely join them on opening night. Brooks could still opt to insert Bertans in the starting lineup, as the two starting forward positions remain unsettled.

The Wizards have set a different starting lineup in each of their first four preseason games and Bertans came off the bench in each of those contests. However, it’s worth noting that the former Spur was teamed up with the three presumed starters during an internal scrimmage earlier today.

While Wagner started one of the preseason games alongside Bryant, he’ll likely open the season as Washington’s backup five. He saw roughly 60% of his minutes at the center position last season, per Basketball-Reference, and with Ian Mahinmi nursing a right Achilles strain, the Wizards have an immediate need for someone to spell starter Thomas Bryant. Wagner should also see some time at the four this season and he’s comfortable playing either spot, as his role on the court doesn’t really change.

“I do the same thing, I’m the same player. So, whatever number you want to put on it,” Wagner said on Sunday. “I’m the same Mo, I really don’t care. In this league, you are who you can guard, so I think that’s the challenge. Either way, I’m excited to do that.”

Fans in Washington will see many new faces this season, particularly in the frontcourt where Bryant is the only big man from last year’s squad expected to be available for opening night. The franchise has one more preseason contest (Friday vs. the Sixers) before the regular season begins in Dallas.

“I think as a team, overall, we’ve done a really good job,” Wagner added. “Just connecting really well, just talking to each other, and planting confidence in each other. I think it looks good so far.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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Wagner Sees Opportunity In Washington

October 11th, 2019 at 8:55pm CST by Dana Gauruder
  • Second-year big man Moritz Wagner sees Washington as an ideal place to establish himself, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington writes. Acquired from the Lakers this summer, Wagner is in the mix for playing time in the Wizards‘ frontcourt after playing sparingly in Los Angeles as a rookie. “They are trying to develop something new and establish a winning culture,” he said. “Everyone here is part of that, it’s brand new. As a young player, that’s what you want.”
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NBA Executives Hesitant To Make A Deal

October 11th, 2019 at 6:23pm CST by Dana Gauruder

All seems to be quiet on the trade front throughout the NBA landscape.

There is very little chatter going on among NBA executives, in part because there was so much player movement this summer, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (hat tip to RealGM).

A vast majority of the players who signed contracts this offseason will become trade-eligible no earlier than December 15 and that has contributed to the lack of trade negotiations.

[RELATED: Players who can’t be traded until December 15]

“Right now, from what I understand, there’s almost no trade talks going on,” Windhorst said. “Like nothing. It’s the deadest it has been that executives can remember in years. Most because like a third of the league just signed and there’s just not many trade-eligible guys.”

The only player generating any buzz is Wizards guard Bradley Beal, since many executives around the league believe Washington will eventually decide to move him and go into full rebuild mode.

“There’s definitely Bradley Beal discussions already going on,” according to Windhorst.

However, Beal still has two years left on his contract and the Wizards’ front office is holding out hope it can sign him to an extension.

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Wizards Willing To Do Beal Extension In "Any Form He Wants"

October 11th, 2019 at 1:07pm CST by Luke Adams

In a televised preseason special on Thursday night (audio link), ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe identified Bradley Beal as a player worth watching closely this season. Beal looks like the most obvious candidate of the NBA’s stars to become disgruntled and push for a trade during the 2019/20 season. However, as Wojnarowski notes, that hasn’t happened yet, and the Wizards are still all-in on trying to retain their All-Star guard.

“Bradley Beal’s got two years left on his deal and the Wizards have not given up hope of signing him to an extension,” Wojnarowski said. “They’ve had a three-year, $111MM-or-so extension on the table for him to take in any form. Does he want two years, three years? Any form he wants, it is there waiting for him. So they are nowhere near the idea of moving Bradley Beal. They want to continue to try to rebuild around him.”

[RELATED: Why Bradley Beal won’t immediately accept Wizards’ extension offer]

As Woj and Lowe point out, a weak 2020 free agent class would make Beal an especially valuable trade chip if the Wizards’ stance changes, but there’s no indication that will happen anytime soon.

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Nets, Lakers Still Expected To Play In China

October 9th, 2019 at 7:53pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Nets–Lakers game, scheduled for 7:30 Eastern Time tomorrow morning in Shanghai, appears likely to be played, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). There have been concerns that the game and another one scheduled for Saturday in Shenzhen might be canceled due to the ongoing dispute between the league and the Chinese government.

Media sessions scheduled for today to promote the game were called off, along with at least two other NBA-related events, and outdoor advertisements for the contest were taken down, relays Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. However, Commissioner Adam Silver told representatives of both teams that he believes the games won’t be affected.

Tensions have been high since Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet last Friday supporting protesters in Hong Kong. Morey quickly removed the tweet and team owner Tilman Fertitta emphasized that the team doesn’t take political positions, but it has done little to quell the controversy.

The dispute reached Congress today with a bi-partisan group sending a letter to Silver urging him to have the “courage and integrity” to stand up to Chinese leaders. The lawmakers are calling on the NBA to suspend all activities in the nation until the government agrees to reverse the actions it has taken against the Rockets. Throughout the country, Rockets merchandise has been taken off the shelves and murals of the team, even those featuring Yao Ming, have been covered with paint.

“You have more power to take a stand than most of the Chinese government’s targets and should have the courage and integrity to use it,” the letter read. The league offered no comment and did not say if Silver has seen the letter.

There’s more on the NBA’s standoff with China:

  • The dispute has spread to the United States, Reynolds notes, as two fans were removed from the Sixers‘ game against Guangzhou Tuesday night for displaying signs and chanting support for Hong Kong. Wells Fargo Center officials issued a statement today explaining the ejections. “During the second quarter of last night’s 76ers game, Wells Fargo Center security responded to a situation that was disrupting the live event experience for our guests,” the statement read. “After three separate warnings, the two individuals were escorted out of the arena without incident. The security team employed respectful and standard operating procedures.” Hong Kong supporters were also visible at tonight’s Wizards game in Washington, D.C., tweets Candace Buckner of The Washington Post.
  • The international tension has been a distraction that the Nets don’t need as they prepare for the season, states Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Players are staying in their hotel and are being very guarded in their public statements. “It was unfortunate that the events were cancelled (Tuesday) but we’re not experts in that field,” DeAndre Jordan said on ESPN’s The Jump. “The field that we are experts in is basketball. We wanted to come here to play basketball and see all our fans in China.”
  • Salary cap experts from five teams are preparing for a sharply reduced cap in 2020/21 because of the expected loss of revenue from China, tweets Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports. Some are running scenarios that are 10-15% lower than the current $116MM projection. While he stresses that it’s just preparation, Smith adds that a source told him, “It’s like the spike, but opposite. After all the money everyone spent last summer, this would have a major impact on all of us.” (Twitter link)
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Good Habits Emphasized In Camp

October 6th, 2019 at 7:46pm CST by Dana Gauruder
  • Developing good habits with a young roster is the first step toward improvement for the Wizards, Candace Buckner of the Washington Post writes. Washington is trying to establish a better culture after the front office and roster changes that were made this offseason. “The season’s going to go quick and the bench is going shorten and Coach (Scott Brooks) is going to want guys who know what he wants and get it done,” guard Bradley Beal said. “So, as long as we’re able to keep those good habits up of being on time, being early, getting the work in and then applying it on the court and getting it done, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
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