Ah yes, finally to one of the more goofier trades this past off-season, so of course it would involve the Wizards. But let’s not forget, in all seriousness, these are not your grandfather’s, father’s, older brother’s, younger brother’s, nor your kid’s (if you have any) Wizards.
No, this iteration has a competent front office that has begun to rebuild this team from the ground-up and has done a stellar job of it the past few seasons, including getting off the worst contract in the league in Bradley Beal (funny story, he is now on the best contract in the league), along with a lot of moving assets… which has netted them Tre Johnson in this past draft, some promising young pieces which we’ll delve more into at a later time, and most importantly, about a zillion dollars in free cap space to absorb contracts for even more picks.
Part of continuing this ethical tank (this is not the Jazz, people) was to move off a surprisingly rejuvenated Jordan Poole and his contract. Well… a surprise to those of you who don’t pay attention to Wizards basketball. Which is, well, I guess a surprise to everyone still, but he ended up averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3 rebounds on 43/38/88 shooting and I see no reason why he can’t continue this output on a very strange, yet interesting Pelicans team.
I’m measured with CJ McCollum in DC and not in the baking sense… I do think he will remain a facet in the minutes picture until at least the trade deadline and is coming off a 21/4 season on 45/37/72. I don’t doubt that the Wizards want to see what Tre Johnson can do, and Corey Kispert remains an underrated combo guard, but at least at the onset, I believe McCollum will get a chance to showcase himself as a relevant two.
Originally part of this deal, Kelly Olynyk was later moved to the Spurs, providing another depth piece at center in a conference that seems to be going back to the 90s in terms of paint protection and size. Fun question, who is this generations Rik Smits? Regardless, Olynyk shot a career high 42% from three last year and has solidified himself as an above-average stretch, for whatever that’s worth to you.
Saddiq Bey still has a bit of promise as a bench piece, but health and struggles with his three-point shot have continued to cap that potential. While I can see him have some success in New Orleans (he’s still just 26 years old), I’m more than willing to wait and see depending on the league.
Rounding it out, it’s definitely a Poole Party in New Orleans, whatever that means… I mean, is that good or bad? What if we don’t know how to swim? Is it BYOB? So many questions. I personally think it’s a net good, but that’s only because I have some beer to bring. McCollum? Sure, it’s fine. The rest? Meh, at your digression.
Next up is one of the notable transactions, the Kevin Durant to Houston trade. See you then! (Or you’ll see me. Or actually, you’ll read me. Ooo, I love it when you read me baby.)
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
