Expectations for the 2024 NBA Draft class appear to be as low as they have been in the last decade or so, but the Washington Wizards must come away with a building block just the same. At the very least, their roster must be in a better long-term position than it is to start this offseason.
The Wizards suffered through a despairing 15-67 campaign in 2023-24, the worst one fans have ever experienced in the franchise's long history. There is little hope that competitive basketball will return to the area any time soon. Even so, general manager Will Dawkins must do what he can to overcome these painfully bleak set of circumstances.
He is looking to an old friend and colleague to help him brave this onerous rebuilding project, one who understands all too well the agony that comes from historic futility. Veteran NBA executive and former Detroit Pistons GM Troy Weaver is joining Washington's front office as a senior advisor, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Weaver spent time with both Dawkins and Monumental Sports and Wizards president Michael Winger in the Oklahoma City Thunder organization, so there should be a sizable amount of trust built up. He also knows what it is like leading a seemingly aimless franchise after serving as Detroit's GM for four years.
With the Pistons losing an NBA-record 28 games in a row last season (tied with the “Process” Philadelphia 76ers) and failing to make any ground in the standings (they actually regressed), Weaver and the team parted ways at the beginning of the month. He will now try to quickly learn from his mistakes and do his part to ensure that Winger and Dawkins do not repeat them. Can the Wizards be saved, though?
Wizards are arguably in as tough a spot as any other NBA team
For all of the obstacles Troy Weaver faced in his unsuccessful tenure in Detroit, he is now coming aboard a vessel that is beset with even more perilous conditions. There is little joy currently pulsating through Little Caesars Arena, but the Pistons do have a pillar in Cade Cunningham who is mercifully giving the city a reason for some optimism. Washington, on the other hand, does not have a face of the franchise to build around for the next several seasons.
The Wizards have learned that acquiring former NBA champions without establishing a sturdy foundation will only further delay the squad's developmental timetable. Although Kyle Kuzma enjoyed arguably the best individual season of his career– 22.2 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting– he is expensive and ostensibly does not fit the organization's big-picture plans. Jordan Poole, who presently holds the dishonor of being one of the most burdensome contracts in the league, struggled mightily in his first year with the team.
That leaves promising forward Deni Avdija as the most practical choice to assume the franchise cornerstone potion for the time being. That can only be temporary, however, as significant star power is needed to jump start the Wizards. As mentioned before, that might be difficult to obtain in the 2024 NBA Draft, but there is still an opportunity to acquire a piece who can eventually be a part of the solution.
French big man Alex Sarr is currently projected to land on the Wizards as the No. 2 overall pick. His defensive prowess could make him a valuable prospect alongside countryman Bilal Coulibaly and Avdija for the years to come. While there is no quick fix that can reasonably be implemented, the blueprint for a cultural rejuvenation can begin to take shape.
Weaver looks to play a role in that process, as he seeks redemption with the Wizards.
Follow Us
Subscribe