Today in the Washington Post – there is a series of articles about the importance of the draft to help a team forge an identity – replenish depth and add talent to the roster. Young players growing up together also help to form a new culture and the young players are more easily “coachable” than veteran star players who have habits formed and reinforced through previous success in different systems.
The draft is key to all sports and all franchises; Tom Boswell talks about it here for the NFL.
At the Wizards – we are trying to now work within a new CBA; and it’s new rules; while we are trying to rebuild our team; play the prospects and young players – and then keep the team together. We have used the draft as our primary method of rebuilding; we have had 5 first round picks in 2 off seasons; and we added another team’s first round pick as well. Most of the players on our roster have been drafted by us. We are quite young; and we also have some savvy vets on the team as well in Rashard Lewis; Roger Mason and RonnyTuriaf. See roster here.
With the draft – and rookie contracts – you have some comfort in the time it takes to develop prospects.
NBA players come into their prime statistical years at 25 to 26 years of age.
Many of these young men get drafted at an age under 20 years old. And basketball is truly a global game and you must scout and draft from around the world – which we have.
We know we also have to add to our roster via trades – and via free agency. But free agency is like the lottery – home run signings happen few and far between; it is hard to plan for it; with the draft – you have many viable options under your direct control; you can have multiple options and it is the best way to form an identity and man all positions.
Our first pick in last year’s draft was Jan Vesely – see article here. He is 7 feet tall; he runs so easily and has great hands. He will adapt to the NBA game because he can run; jump – has high basketball IQ – plays defense – is fundamentally sound and is a very nice young man. I spent some time with him last night at our holiday party – help us to welcome him to DC; he will become a fan favorite and will be a big piece of our rebuild plan on a long term basis. Size matters and talent matters – he is a tough player too – with a lot of confidence. And a lot of upside.
Also – see this article on Kevin Seraphin, one of our first round picks from last season; Kevin looks much improved; he is really in shape – he exhibits great foot work; great hands and he shoots well with both hands. He too is tough – big and has played a lot internationally. He will earn a lot more minutes this coming season than his rookie season.
I also am very pleased with what I have seen from Chris Singleton. He is tough as nails; plays defense hard – has a good shot – and doesn’t back down from anyone. He is a ball of energy and the fans will fall in love with his game.
And John Wall and Jordan Crawford have been dominant in practice. They are both in fantastic shape- and have that look of confidence about them both. It is palpable how much they have progressed in just one year.
I am pleased we have embarked on our rebuild via the draft. We have many more moves to make over the coming years; but we have built our foundation in the right way – I believe.
We have two drafts under our belt. We will have one more this next off season.
We will then have stock piled young players and prospects. We will be ready for success – as our young players mature.
We will manage the salary cap wisely.
Please come out to support us this year – we are pleased to report that tickets sales are brisk; our strategy is clear; this season should be a lot more fun than last season. Thank you.