WizardsExtreme.com Writers Pick Of Choice (1st Round Only)

WizardsExtreme.com Writers Pick of Choice (1st Round) 

First starting with the newest writer, the very witty and funny,

Abdullah Sharif:
@Abdu11ah

#6 - Kawhi Leonard (SF - San Diego St.)
        

#18 - Jordan Hamilton (SF - Texas)
        


The Wizards need a solid swingman, a SF that can run the floor, play good defense and have a solid jumpshot. Kawhi Leoanard would be the most reasonable option for the Wizards 6th pick. He has great length, terrific speed and uses a lot of energy up and down the floor. His athleticism reminds you of a Gerald Wallace. Something that point guard John Wall can take advantage, especially on fast breaks. His jump shot has improved since his freshman year. Chris Singleton may be another option. Like Leoanard, Singleton also would also bring a substantial amount of energy. He is explosive when going up for rebounds and a great spot up shooter. However, his defense is what has been intriguing. His terrific athleticism and energy is what fuels his intense defensive abilities and can guard multiple positions.

Although the Wizards should look to attaining another point guard, which they may in the 2nd round, the 18th pick may go to another small forward. Jordan Hamilton from Texas maybe the choice here. He is probably the best scorer of the 3 SF's mentioned. This would accommodate well for John Wall as Hamilton has proven he can shoot from almost anywhere on the floor. He has great ability of creating his own shots and is a solid rebounder. His downside is primarily on the defensive end. He lacks physical style of play which allows opponents to blow past him and gambles a lot on steals. Option B for the Wizards at the 18 spot would probably be Tobias Harris from Tennessee. Although a bit less athletic than the other prospects and not much of a high end scorer, Harris still manages to display a great physical presence on both ends of the floor. He handles the ball very well, has a solid frame and upper body and a lot of strength allowing him to be very effective in the paint. Has a great work ethic and a mature attitude, something the Wizards can build on, especially in the locker room.

Up next, 106.7 The Fan's and WizardsExtreme.com writer, 

Ajay Atayee:
@AjayWJFK

#6 - Kawhi Leonard (SF - San Diego St.)
        

#18 - Klay Thompson (SG - Washington St.)
       

There’s a lot of mis-information circling around NBA rumor mills right now as team’s attempt to gauge where their desired prospects will be selected. The Washington Wizards are one of the most active team’s in terms of the rumors they’re putting out by revealing their interest in guys like Arizona’s Derrick William’s and Enes Kanter but also stating their refusal to trade veteran JaVale McGee. Since it’s impossible to guess what they’ll actually do, we’ll assume that they keep their original picks.

 Unless Williams or Kanter fall to six, the player who appears to be the best fit of those available is San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard. Unlike most 19-year-olds, Leonard has the size and strength to play in the NBA today. He is a physical specimen and with the right coaching, his 7 foot 3 inch wingspan could make him an elite defender at the small forward position. Though he showed steady improvement from his freshman to his sophomore year, his offensive and defensive game need work before he could be considered a potential starter.  For next season, Leonard’s high motor and energy that will allow him to contribute right away, especially as a running mate to the one-man fast break that is John Wall.

 Last year the Wizards selected Kevin Seraphin at 16 with the hopes that he could develop into a serviceable big man in the future. Seraphin showed flashes of potential through his rookie season, but he was never able to sustain his contribution on a consistent basis. This year the Wizards should aim to fill a specific team deficiency, such as rebounding or 3-point shooting, with this mid-first rounder as opposed to searching for the next diamond in the rough (Seraphin, Oleksiy Pecherov).

Washington State’s Klay Thompson has been rising up draft boards but if he is there at 18 the Wizards should absolutely choose him. Thompson may be the best pure shooter in this draft class; he can shoot off screens, from a spot up position as well as take a defender off the dribble and create his own shot. Though he isn't the greatest athlete, he’s shown a good feel with his layups and floaters around the rim.  Thompson likely will never develop into an all-star but he can be an important piece to the foundation of a young team.

Up next, is the very busy and opinionated man, 

Shaun Ahmad
@ShaunAhmad

#6 - Kawhi Leonard (SF- San Diego St.)
       

#18 - Jordan Hamilton (SF - Texas)
       

If the Wizards are going to be stubborn and not move McGee and the 6th pick to reach up to the two spot and pick Derrick Williams, then they should draft small forward, Kawhi Leonard.  Leonard isn't the biggest guy on the court and he isn't some sort of physical specimen, but what he lacks in size and strength, he makes up for with his ability to play an integral part in almost any offensive scheme while contributing on consistently on defense.  His mechanics are solid and his leadership and mature personality traits are something that this Wizards' team desperately needs.  Enes Kanter is tempting given his physical attributes, but he has minimal in-game experience at a high competition level.  Drafting on nothing but sheer potential is a business model that Washington needs to get away from sooner rather than later.  But as I pointed out earlier in the week, Washington would be making a big mistake in letting the opportunity to draft Derrick Williams at the expense of trading JaVale McGee slip away. 

18th Pick - No question that if available, the Wizards should use the 18th pick on Jordan Hamilton, a small forward out of the University of Texas.  Would that make two small forwards drafted with their first two picks?  Sure, but Leonard and Hamilton are very different players and let's keep in mind, this is the Wizards we're talking about.  Looking at their roster, depth isn't exactly their forte.  Hamilton is a combination of both a scorer and a terrific rebounder.  He averaged just under 19 points per game while nabbing 7.7 boards last season.  Washington needs players who can put the ball in the bucket to help their franchise point guard, John Wall.  Hamilton brings the ability to get to the rim with relative ease and has also been successful in open court opportunities - something that he will find plenty of if he plays with the speedy Wall.  While he wouldn't be a starter immediately, he could develop his game while coming off the bench on a consistent basis (much like James Harden has done in Oklahoma City).  Depth, scoring, and rebounding are areas that the Wizards need to address and Hamilton would fill some of that void at the 18th pick.

And now myself,

Asad Naqvi: 
@AsadNaqviDMV

#6 - Kawhi Leonard (SF - San Diego St.)
       

#18 - Markieff Morris (PF - Kansas)
        

Great picks and similar to what Chad Ford said in his Latest Mock Draft.

With that said, I picked Kawhi Leonard for all the obvious reasons above stated. He's the safest and best pick if you think about it.  He was coached by Steve Fisher, who coached the infamous Fab 5. He also has a keen eye for talent with the likes of Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, and Jalen Rose, not to mention the current San Diego St. roster that is filled with NBA talent that you will see in the coming years. 

With the #18 pick, after seeing Chad Fords pick and his explanation, it makes sense.  A big man who can shoot the short jumpers and rebound.  He may not be the best between the two brothers (Marcus Morris) but he can play.  Everyone is expecting a Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony when the Wizards pick but in this weak draft, I won't mind getting someone to come in and help right away.  Role players are rare these days.  Chicago does a nice job with role players.  Miami went to the finals but I bet they would love some good role players to go along with their 3 Headed Diva Monsters.