Wizards Call Up D-Leaguer Morris Almond

Washington has had success recently with 10-day contracts.  They have got very good production out of Cartier Martin and James Singleton, both of whom were signed to deals for the rest of the season.

Unfortunately, to the many fans of Roger Mason Jr., he underwent surgery to repair an injured finger and was released by the Wizards.  This allowed Washington to open up another spot to try their luck at hitting on a third 10-day deal.

Morris Almond will be the guy to replace Money Mase, according to a report from Ridiculous Upside.  Almond has had a prior stint in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, and most recently played in the D-League for the Maine Red Claws.  He can definitely score the ball, as evidenced by his two 50 point performances in D-League games.  He is also a very capable 3-point shooter, averaging just fewer than 39% in 119 games in the developmental league.  This season, Morris has increased his field goal percentage from long range to 46.4%.

This is one area where he shouldn’t have any problem helping the Wizards, as they need some spot up shooters to pair with John Wall, especially one who can knock down an outside jumper.  In 29 games for the Red Claws this season, he averaged 23.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.

Morris Almond is similar in mode to ex-Wizard Nick Young - -  a lot of volume scoring with little passing - - and will need to show Washington that he can expand his game in his short “tryout” if he wants a chance to stick in the league.  Outside efficiency will be a key for him, but also showing he can play within the system and gel with Wall will likely be the only way the Wizards keep him around long term.

Overall, this is a good move by Washington.  They sorely lack efficient scoring from their guards, and this is a low risk – medium reward type move. With only six  games left on the season, Almond’s tryout will be a short one.  He should be put into the rotation quickly, and whether or not he can secure a spot in the league will be up to his play.

Here are a few Morris Almond videos: