Wizards New Investments Offer Early Returns

@WashWizards via Twitter

NBA

Wizards new investments offer early returns

The Wizards were very active during this year’s trade deadline. They traded away two former starters in Otto Porter and Markieff Morris for three bench players and two second-round picks. This may have looked like a salary cap relief based move, but they have been pleasantly surprised by the return on these trades.

They picked up Wesley Johnson from the Pelicans and traded for Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker from the Bulls. In only a few games, each player has made their mark with the Wizards. Here is a breakdown of each player and what they bring to the Wizards going forward.

Bobby Portis 6’11” F/C

The versatile forward was on the Wizards radar back when he was drafted four years ago. He didn’t fall to them back then, but they managed to trade for him last week. He presents scoring and toughness off the bench that the Wizards have lacked all year. Portis was one of four players averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds while coming off the bench this season. He did not waste any time to make an immediate impact.

Portis scored 30 points in his Wizards debut versus Cleveland. He set the tone early making his first six shots, finishing 12-18 from the field including 4-6 from 3-point range. He followed that game up with a revenge game versus the Bulls the next night. His scoring was down, but he added 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. After a block in the first half, he was seen talking trash to the Bulls bench on the way to the Wizards sideline.

Jabari Parker 6’8″ F

One of the highest rated prospects coming out of college, Parker has not lived up to his potential in his NBA career. His injury history has postponed the career of what many saw as a can’t miss player. He had fallen out of the rotation in Chicago, so many saw him as a throw in with Portis to facilitate the Porter trade. Just like Portis, he has played like he has a chip on his shoulder and is out to prove that the Wizards got the better part of the deal.

In his first game, he showed off his versatility and led the Wizards in rebounds with 11. He finished with 7 points and 9 assists, dazzling the home crowd with a few of his passes. In his next game versus the Bulls, Parker decided to put on a show versus his former team. He scored 20 points, many on dunks, while adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds. He outperformed Porter, while sending a loud message to the Bulls.

Wesley Johnson 6’7″ G/F

The Wizards traded away Morris to the Pelicans to get Johnson and a future second-round pick. They have been looking for a two-way wing to come off the bench and spell Bradley Beal. Johnson’s size and defense gives Wizards coach Brooks options going forward. He didn’t play much in his first game but managed to finish with a +5 plus/minus rating in 15 minutes. Just like Parker and Portis, he saved his big game for the Bulls. Johnson had 14 points in only 20 minutes. He added four 3-pointers while only missing one shot from the field. Combined with the two players from the Bulls, these players should shore up the Wizards bench as they prepare for a playoff run.

Chasson Randle 6’2″ PG

Although he was not acquired through trade, he does require mentioning among the Wizards newcomers. He has been signed and waived twice this season by the team, but he has found a permanent home thanks to the John Wall injury. Randle had filled in the back-up point guard role that was vacated by Tomas Satoranksy when he was made a starter. He also saved his best game of the year for the Bulls, finishing with 20 points and going 4-5 from deep. Satoransky will miss the game due to personal reasons (birth of child), so Randle will make his first start of the year tonight versus the Pistons.

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@WashWizards via Twitter