NBA Draft Possibilities for the Wizards

With the NBA Draft coming up this Thursday, Washington looks to improve either its starting frontcourt or at least its overall depth.  The nature of the NBA draft is tricky in getting the right prospect as well predicting how a NBA team will make its selection.  Here are a few possibilities for the 19th overall pick for the Washington Wizards.

Bobby Portis (Power Forward, Sophomore, Arkansas)  -

Portis was SEC Player of the Year 

during the 2014-15 season

(via CBSsportline.com)

Portis has pretty good size at 6'11 and a well rounded offensive game.  He does have a high motor, a well rounded offensive game including a post game as well as a 3 point shot, and good strength and mobility that could translate well in the defensive end.   A stretch 4 that fits the mold of Draymond Green is exactly what the Wizards need especially as Nene ages.  The big question will be whether Portis will still be there at #19.  

Kevin Looney (Power Forward, Freshman, UCLA)

Looney works out for the Wizards 

(via MonumentalNetwork)

Looney at 19 has a lot of potential.  He is a great rebounder (averaging 12 rebounds per 40 minutes), and has shown an ability to knock down 3s albeit a small sample size.  Of course, time will tell if Looney can develop a better defensive awareness as well improve upon his weaknesses, but at 19 years old, Looney will possess a higher ceiling than a lot of prospects.  The question will be whether Washington will be patient enough to take a chance on a player who may take time to develop.


Jerian Grant (Point guard/shooting guard, senior, Notre Dame) -  

Grant also has ties to the Washington DC area.

Grant may last up until this point given that he is 22 and older than most who are entering the 2015 NBA draft.  Grant would have the versatility to play both positions off the bench.  Statistically, he can play point guard given that he average 6.7 assists per game while having a solid 3:1 assist to Turnover ratio.   The Wizards could use depth in the guard position, especially someone who can spell Wall and given Beal's injury history.