The Washington Wizards just had a disappointing season in which they went 35-47 and missed out on the playoffs. Bradley Beal battled injury as part of a rebuilding season in which the Wizards also traded for Kristaps Porzingis. The franchise added some notable talent this offseason and officially signed Beal to a long-term max contract. He also reportedly has a no-trade clause in his contract, making him the 10th NBA player ever and the only active player to make this list.
With Beal officially the long-term franchise centerpiece, the focus for the Wizards is adding quality talent around him and Porzingis. Their most notable move was trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith for Monte Morris and Will Barton. Both of these players will play a key role in the Wizards' rotation moving forward. They also drafted Johnny Davis with the 10th overall pick, and he will have high expectations as a key cornerstone moving forward. Davis will headline Washington's Summer League roster, but there is more to watch besides just Davis.
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why Wizards fans should be hyped for 2022 NBA Las Vegas Summer League
3. Vernon Carey Jr
After standing out in his lone season at Duke, Vernon Carey Jr. was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Carey signed a multi-year deal with the Hornets but was traded to the Wizards in a deal for Montrezl Harrell. He played in 19 games with the Hornets and even started four games during his time with the team. The 21-year-old got in just three games with Washington following the deal.
There is still a great deal of hope for the second-year player, and he has a chance to reinforce this in Summer League action. The lefty is an underrated athlete who moves extremely well. He has an old-school game but is still finding the right NBA fit for his game. Carey will benefit greatly from getting minutes to work through his game and show the improvements he is making. He possesses an intriguing talent but needs to find the best way to make it translate to the NBA level.
2. Isaiah Todd
One guy with intriguing potential but who has yet to fully find his stride in the NBA is Isaiah Todd. He was selected with the 31st overall pick in the 2021 draft and was traded to the Wizards shortly after. He spent a year with the G League Ignite prior to the NBA draft and was overshadowed by some of his talented teammates. Todd signed a four-year deal with Washington and played limited minutes in his rookie year. There is clearly much more to be proven by Todd after he got in just 12 games and played 74 total minutes.
Summer League will be an opportunity for Todd to get more consistent time on the court. The Ignite standout projects as a modern-day power forward with an impressive shooting ability. Standing 6'10” with intriguing athleticism, there is a great deal to like about his game. The 20-year-old will benefit from some low-pressure minutes and show where his game is growing. The Wizards still have a ton of hope for his long-term future, so showing progress would be exciting to see.
1. Johnny Davis
The 20-year-old was one of the most impressive players in college basketball last season. Johnny Davis makes an impact on both ends of the court and has an especially exciting defensive motor. He averaged 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in his sophomore season in college. Davis did just about everything for Wisconsin last season and likely will be asked to do the same for the Wizards in Summer League play.
Davis needs to add some weight and at times is inefficient in his play, but he has some really enticing tools. The 6'5″ guard is a terrific rebounder for his size and plays positive team basketball. Look for him to make a statement with his play this summer and cement himself as a key contributor moving forward. While it is a tall task to ask a rookie to make such a large impact, it will be hoped he can develop as Bradley Beal's partner moving forward.
***
There are a few other notable names to watch on the Wizards' Summer League roster. Devon Dotson and Quenton Jackson are two notable players looking to grab a roster spot. Two-way player Jordan Schakel will also be participating. Summer League is a perfect opportunity for the Wizards to give these young talents a chance to grow.
Follow Us
Subscribe