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NBA Draft 2013 scouting report: Victor Oladipo

2013-05-23T16:00:07Z

Our profiles of the top prospects in the 2013 NBA Draft continue with Indiana's Victor Oladipo.

***

Team: Indiana

Class: Junior

Position: Shooting guard

Expected draft position: Top 6

Year	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3FG%	FT%
2012-13	36	13.6	6.3	2.1	2.2	0.8	60%	44%	75%

College career: An upperclassman projected as one of the top picks in the NBA Draft, Victor Oladipo is something of a 21st century basketball anomaly. Nowadays, it seems NBA scouts have the book written on a player by the end of their freshman season in college. For a player like Oladipo to be one of the top prospects at the end of their junior season, one of two things likely has happened: 1) the player was considered a top prospect as an underclassman and ignored overtures to enter the draft, or 2) the player improved tremendously from one season to the next.

Oladipo followed the latter path to a tee. Local hoops fans are already well-versed in his story: after taking one for the team and willingly coming off the bench as a senior at DeMatha High School, Oladipo elected to join a storied Indiana program in freefall. A hyper-athletic but somewhat-unskilled three-star recruit who garnered a lot of offers but none from programs that would have been considered elite in 2010, Oladipo will now be remembered as one of the key cogs in Indiana basketball's return to national prominence.

After winning 12 games his freshman season, Oladipo helped lead the Hoosiers to a Sweet 16 berth in 2011. He increased his scoring average from 7.4 points as a freshman to 10.8 points his sophomore season, but saw his shooting and three-point percentages drop precipitously (.547 to .471 and .308 to .208, respectively).

At 6'4" and without an adequate jump shot, Oladipo was considered a fringe NBA prospect entering his junior season despite his reputation as an elite defender with an unrelenting motor.

But then his junior season happened.

Victor Oladipo scouting report

Oladipo once again increased his scoring average, this time to 13.6 points per game, but also saw his shooting percentages skyrocket, to 60 percent overall and 44 percent from three-point range, all while showcasing game-changing defensive ability. Indiana sat or hovered around the No. 1 ranking all season long, with Oladipo often providing the big plays the team needed in crunch time. The Hoosiers ended up bowing out earlier than expected in the Sweet 16, but not before Oladipo hit a clutch three in the closing seconds to seal a close victory against Temple in the Round of 32.

Beloved on campus and by his teammates and coaches, Oladipo has backed up the reputation he built as a hardworking gym rat in pre-draft interviews, exhibiting a humility and lack of ego that has NBA executives fawning over his potential. When arguably the draft's most athletic player also has its best motor, teams will take notice.

Offense: Oladipo is a breathtaking athlete with unreal physical tools. Strong, physical and tough, long and explosive, Oladipo is an absolute terror on the break. One of college basketball's better finishers last season, he was practically unstoppable in transition, or really any situation where he had the ball and was able to pick up a head of steam heading to the basket, speeding by or around defenders with ease. Defenders tended to slack off Oladipo, respecting his driving ability more than the range on his jump shot, and yet it hardly seemed to matter, as he gobbled up space quicker than any player in the nation.

But what really vaulted Oladipo's stock from that of a middling prospect to a potential top-5 pick was the improvement he showed in his jump shot. It got so much better that, when combined with his lack of three-point attempts (only 37 as a junior) and just-OK free-throw shooting percentage (75 percent last season), he might be due for a sharp regression early in his NBA career. Still, Oladipo has the kind of work ethic and shooting form (excellent stroke and elevation, though he doesn't always release at the height of his jump) to steadily improve over time. When you watch him shoot during his junior season, it's hard to believe he was so bad as a sophomore; he looks like a guy who should have a reliable jumper. Another testament to his athleticism, Oladipo shot an even better percentage off the dribble than in spot-up situations.

The best slasher in the draft, Oladipo is also an instinctive cutter and moves well off the ball. An efficient player, he mostly takes good shots within the flow of the offense, but he can occasionally develop tunnel vision and look to drive when there isn't an available lane, ultimately taking a bad shot or committing a charge instead of passing the ball away.

Oladipo's efficiency plummets when he looks to create offense on his own. He doesn't have the best handle in space and tends to turn the ball over in ISO situations, though he'll improve with practice and experience. He also rarely attempts a drive to his left, and when he does, he's always looking to cross back to his right. He'll need to vary it up in the pros to avoid being predictable to opposing defenders.

Due to his motor, Oladipo is also one of the better rebounding wing players in the nation, particularly on the offensive glass.

If he were even an inch or two taller, Oladipo might be in serious contention for the No. 1 overall pick

If he were even an inch or two taller, Oladipo might be in serious contention for the No. 1 overall pick, because his skill set would be considered elite for a small forward, be his size will limit him to defending guards in the NBA.

Defense: This will be Oladipo's calling card from the instant he steps foot onto an NBA court. An intense, lockdown defender capable of shutting down a team's best perimeter threat, Oladipo absolutely harasses opposing ball handlers. He stays light on his feet and lives in ball handlers' space, and his long arms allow him to consistently poke balls away when an opponent tries to drive past him.

Supreme lateral agility allows Oladipo to remain in front of most dribblers but also recover when he is crossed over. It's rare for a player of Oladipo's height to be able to consistently alter jump shots, but his length and leaping ability make him a pest.

At roughly 215 pounds, Oladipo is solidly built for a player standing 6'4" and long enough to guard any wing player along the perimeter, but his lack of size will be a liability if asked to check NBA small forwards in the post. Basically, Oladipo is your prototypical NBA perimeter defender, with his only shortcoming being that he's a bit shorter than ideal.

Pro potential/Wizards fit: Whichever team drafts Oladipo can be certain it is getting at minimum a lockdown perimeter defender than can contribute immediately off the bench. That may seem like a low bar for a high lottery pick, but Oladipo's floor is actually relatively high in an era when lottery picks routinely bust (a fact Wizards fans are all too aware).

Oladipo also has a pretty high ceiling, though it's doubtful he'll ever be a "franchise" type player. At his best, Oladipo will be an All-NBA defender who wreaks havoc out on the break, cutting to the basket, and spotting up for corner threes. He will probably never be a go-to scorer or a player who initiates offense, but he could end up as a shorter version of Shawn Marion.

Oladipo figures to be available when the Wizards select at No. 3, but as tempting as it may be to imagine him and John Wall running out on the break together (God help us all), Oladipo isn't the best fit given the Wizards' roster and where the team is in its current rebuild.

Wall and Bradley Beal presumably have the starting guard positions locked down for a decade-plus, and Washington isn't yet in the position where it can both have playoff aspirations and spend a top 3 pick on a likely bench player, extraordinary as he might be. If Oladipo were 6'6" instead of 6'4", playing him at small forward might be an option, but it's hard to envision two starting wings that stand 6'3" and 6'4" jiving with the Wizards' current defensive mentality.

It's unfortunate, because Oladipo is going to be a tremendous player for some team for a long time, but the Wizards are probably better off selecting a prospect they can slot into their starting lineup alongside Wall and Beal.

More BF draft coverage:

• Who's your pick?

• What now at No. 3?

• Swap with Cavs?

• Combine takeaways

• Trade the pick?

2013 NBA Draft Lottery Reaction: Washington Wizards Edition

2013-05-22T12:34:09Z

And you thought Bradley Beal couldn't get any more awesome. For shame. The No. 3 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, who wears the No. 3 on his jersey, rendered the No. 3 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Here's what the Internet thought about the Washington Wizards' good fortune:

First, here a batch of news stories and initial reaction. [Us | SB Nation | Washington Post | Washington Examiner | CSN Washington | Wiz of Awes | Daily Wizdom | NBC Washington | DC Pro Sports Report | Team blog |Press release]
And of course, it didn't take long for the updated mock drafts to come pouring in. [SB Nation's Jonathan Tjarks | ESPN's Chad Ford |DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony | NBADraft.net | CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman & Matt Moore | Sporting News' Sean Deveney | CBS DC]
Losing that coin flip to the Pistons doesn't seem so bad now, does it? [Truth About It]
The Wiz will certainly have options at No. 3. [Wizards Insider]
Beal was definitely excited after lucky-charming his way to the No. 3 pick, but he kept it cool and monotone for the camera.
As you'll find in the tweets below, Mike Wise thinks the Wizards should look to trade the No. 3 pick for an established veteran.
FWIW, Gary Williams has the Wizards using the No. 3 pick on Alex Len, whom Williams recruited to Maryland. [CSN Washington]
It's playoffs or bust next season for Beal. [CSN Washington]
Randy Wittman kept it short in his pep talk to Beal prior to the lottery. [DC Sports Bog]
For kicks, here's some thoughts Mike posted prior to the lottery on the Wizards' draft pick and whether they should trade it.
So guys, WHO SHOULD THE WIZARDS TAKE?!?!

What did Twitter have to say?

Flip Saunders: "Can I get a do over?"
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) May 22, 2013

So this is something else Beal has done better than Wall?
— Craig Stouffer (@CraigStouffer) May 22, 2013

Bradley Beal could destroy both of these dudes.
— Kelly Dwyer (@KDonhoops) May 22, 2013

Good. I didn't want Noel or that Thrift Shop guy.
— Jack Kogod (@Unsilent) May 22, 2013

Let's get it on, Wizards-Cavs rivalry.
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) May 22, 2013

#Otto4Lotto
— Gheorghe The Blog (@gheorghetheblog) May 22, 2013

@realdealbeal23! Way luckier than me! Huge! #wizards
— Zachary Leonsis (@ZacharyLeonsis) May 22, 2013

Otto Porter is now a Wizard?
— Adam McGinnis (@adammcginnis) May 22, 2013

Wizards should trade Jan Vesely straight up for Nick Gilbert...
— The Ball Hogs (@BallHogsRadio) May 22, 2013

Noel/Bennett/Porter Any of those 3 can help the Wizards. Now it's possible. My fav player in this draft is Bennett.
— danny rouhier (@funnydanny) May 22, 2013

getting into top #3 is huge for Wizards... Chance to get Otto , Oladipo, Len, orBennett the PF from UNLV
— Dan Hellie (@DanHellie) May 22, 2013

STOP SAYING ALEX LEN, MIKE WILBON
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) May 22, 2013

Watch Otto Porter JR be on the board at #3 and Ernie drafts Johanavad Sackavefhes SF from Lithuania
— HTTR24-7.com (@HTTR24_7) May 22, 2013

oh.my. wilbon just said for the #wizards "maybe alex len. or otto porter". note to team: you do NOT have to draft within a 10 mile radius.
— Dave Ross (@FOX5Ross) May 22, 2013

Find and replace "Otto Porter" draftexpress.com/profile/jeff-g… #nbadraft #wizards
— Thomas Pruitt (@TheRealTPruitt) May 22, 2013

Hey there #Wizards ! Little luck getting into the top 3. Now have the sense to draft Otto Porter. #NBA
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) May 22, 2013

B3AL!!! #Wizards
— Kevin Broom (@Broom_Kevin) May 22, 2013

True story, I had a post scheduled on BF essentially downplaying the idea of the Wiz selecting in the top 3. Jokes on me
— Umair Khan (@UKhanNBA) May 22, 2013

Grunfeld: "We want to be a playoff team next year and moving up 5 spots will certainly help that process"
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 22, 2013

Wizards won't listen to pressure to draft Georgetown's Otto Porter if he's available at three, source said. Wiz, however, are high on Porter
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 22, 2013

Wonder what David Faulk thinks about his client potentially playing with Wall. #Otto
— Scott Jackson (@JacksonSports) May 22, 2013

One dark horse for No. 1 pick? Georgetown's Otto Porter.Cavs love him. Perfect fit. Helps right away.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 22, 2013

I could absolutely see Cleveland taking Porter, by the way. If Noel slid to 3...
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) May 22, 2013

In other DMV news...I hope Alex stays local #Wizards #terpnation
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) May 22, 2013

With the no. 3 pick in the 2013 #NBADraft the @washwizards should take @codyzeller, period. #WizardsTalk
— Kevin B. Blackistone (@ProfBlackistone) May 22, 2013

Otto is the motto. No? #Wizards
— Ward Watkins (@PhoneBoothWiz) May 22, 2013

Would imagine Wiz will have either Noel, McLemore, Bennett, Porter, or Oladipo on their roster next year. Anyone have a darkhorse? #Wizards
— Chase Hughes (@chasehughesCSN) May 22, 2013

The Wiz have the worst luck ever.... then there's Otto who might end up there.Thats worse.
— Kevin & Rock Radio (@kevinandrock) May 22, 2013

I would not be surprised if Cleveland drafts Alex Lin first. I'm hearing theyreally like him.
— Chris Miller (@cmillscsn) May 22, 2013

Dear wizards- Otto porter please. Thanks- a concerned fan
— Bram Weinstein (@BramESPN) May 22, 2013

Never knew so many people out there would wish such ill will on a nice kid like Otto Porter #Wizards
— thom loverro (@thomloverro) May 22, 2013

3rd pick!! Not bad at all lol !! Thanks to my man up top !! 🙏
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 22, 2013

Time to stay out the lottery now !
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) May 22, 2013

I was all prepared for freeze-dried Taster's Choice (Alex Len lol), but the #Wizards spring this gourmet sh*t
— Ward Watkins (@PhoneBoothWiz) May 22, 2013

#Wizards had a 4.77% chance to land #3 pick.Asked what his good luck charm was tonight, Grunfeld said "@realdealbeal23"
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 22, 2013

I dunno, guys, Rudy Gobert could work-out his way up to #3.... #SoWizards
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) May 22, 2013

2 Western Conference executives walked up to me in ABC studios after the lottery & said, "Have fun with Otto Porter." #wizards
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 22, 2013

Let's play Trade the Pick: if you're the Wizards do you offer the 3rd overall pick and something to sweeten the pot to Sac for Cousins???
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) May 22, 2013

One of the executives added that taking Porter is "a no-brainer." Another thought CLE was a wild card that could take him first. We'll see
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 22, 2013

To me, the Wizards have a brutal call to make. Take the polished local product in Otto Porter, or the enormously talented Anthony Bennett
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) May 22, 2013

No one loves Otto Porter's game more than me. It's old school, old soul. But I still consider moving No. 3 pick for established veteran 1st.
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) May 22, 2013

Just getting online for the first time tonight. Anything cool happen, you guys?
— Amin Vafa (@AminNBA) May 22, 2013

I would move down, trade No. 3 and Trevor Booker for late top 10 pick ir further down. Get a healthy Danny Granger, Greg Monroe or....
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) May 22, 2013

More BF draft coverage:

• What to do at No. 3.

• Draft for need?

• Combine takeaways

• Trade the pick?

NBA Draft 2013 scouting report: Shabazz Muhammad

2013-05-19T17:08:06Z

Team: UCLA

Class: Freshman

Position: Small forward

Expected draft position: Top 12

Year	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3FG%	FT%
2012-13	32	17.9	5.2	0.8	0.7	0.1	44%	38%	71%

College career: It might be hard to remember or believe now, but a few years ago Shabazz Muhammad was basketball's next phenom, a player whose scoring ability drew comparison to Kobe Bryant and made him the runaway away favorite to be the top overall selection in the 2013 NBA Draft.

But as the attention Muhammad drew as a high school player increased, opinion of him seemed to mellow, to the point that by the end of his senior season he wasn't even the unanimous choice as the top prospect in his own class, let alone the game's next chosen one.

That said, Muhammad still finished his high school career as a five-star, top-2 recruit (with Nerlens Noel surpassing him as the No. 1 prospect on some recruiting websites) with an elite-level scoring mentality and as good a shot as any player of being the top choice in the 2013 draft.

After choosing to attend UCLA over Duke and Kentucky, Muhammad's college career got off to a rocky start, first when the NCAA declared him ineligible hours before his season opener after determining he had received improper benefits from his father's friend, who paid for Muhammad's plane tickets and hotel rooms on unofficial college visits.

Muhammad's family contended that the NCAA had been aware of the expenses, and even gone as far as to sanction them. UCLA appealed the suspension, and a Nov. 14 Los Angeles Times report suggested the NCAA might have predetermined Muhammad's fate. A couple days later, after missing three games, Muhammad was reinstated. A month later, the NCAA fired the lead investigator in Muhammad's case.

Draft Express' scouting report.

Once back on the court, Muhammad quickly showed why he was the nation's top perimeter recruit, scoring 15 points off the bench in his first game, a 78-70 loss to Georgetown. He was inserted into the starting lineup the next game, and scored a game-high 21 points in a 60-56 win over Georgia.

Muhammad scored in the mid-teens his next four games before pouring in four-straight efforts of 20-plus points, including a season-high 27 points in back-to-back victories against Fresno State and then-No. 7 Missouri, the latter of which included Muhammad hitting the game-winning three-pointer in a 97-95 overtime win. He also scored a game-high 23 points in an 84-73 road victory over then-No. 6 Arizona.

Though he ended his brief college career with three sub-.400 shooting performances, Muhammad was ultimately named first team All-Pac 12, though he had to share the conference's Freshman of the Year honors with Arizona State's Jahii Carson.

All in all, Muhammad's lone college season was underwhelming given the hype that once surrounded him. Yes, he was a very good scorer, but he didn't showcase many elite skills outside of his effort and scoring instincts.

Other profiles: Ben McLemore Nerlens Noel Alex Len Otto Porter

His freshman year also didn't come without inconsistency (particularly a six-point, 3-for-13 stinker against Utah and 4-for-19 showing against Washington State) or controversy, as many took notice when Muhammad, after calling frantically for the ball in the closing seconds of UCLA's Feb. 7 contest against Washington, watched a teammate hit the game-winner and walked by rather than joining in with the rest of the Bruins in their celebratory dog pile.

Whether the incident spoke to Muhammad's attitude is open to interpretation, but it certainly didn't help quiet those who accused him of being a me-first, team-second player concerned only with racking up points en route to a lucrative NBA career.

It also didn't help matters when the LA Times revealed prior to UCLA's first round NCAA Tournament contest that Muhammad was actually a year older than previously believed, which helped explain why in high school he always seemed to be stronger and more physically-mature than his opponents while building his national profile and status as a top-recruit.

Perhaps more troubling than Muhammad's age was the report's account of his father, who came across as loving, but also overbearing and manipulative. Might some lottery teams be leery of selecting Muhammad and the potential headache that comes attached?

Offense: Whichever team selects Muhammad is getting a scorer, that much they can be certain of. Contrary to what was written about him early in his high school career, Muhammad is not an elite athlete, merely a very good one who simply knows how to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways.

The team that takes Muhammad will also be getting an absolute gamer on the offensive end. His effort and competitiveness on this side of the ball are both sublime. He has a star's mentality, and wants the ball in his hands at the end of a tight game (see: Feb. 7 against Washington) regardless of whether he's been hot or cold.

At 6'6" and 225 pounds, Muhammad is strong and able to finish through contact at the rim. He displays excellent offensive instincts and timing when cutting to the basket, and doesn't shy away from contact down low, but he's not an explosive leaper and is prone to having his shot blocked amongst the trees. Muhammad does show very good open court speed, but he isn't the best finisher in transition, either.

Muhammad often relished the chance to post up smaller defenders in college and got to the free throw line at high rate. Unfortunately, he only shot 71 percent from the charity stripe, which doesn't instill confidence in the long-term development of his jump shot. Muhammad used his strength and size to score on outmatched opponents in high school, so he entered college with concerns surrounding his jumper. He put some of those to rest as a freshman, shooting 38 percent from three and displaying consistency on catch-and-shoot jumpers, but Muhammad seemed less comfortable shooting off the dribble and generally has what would be considered a passable, but not great jumper for a perimeter player.

A lefty, Muhammad has a pretty good first step and drives well to his left, as would be expected, but his handle can be sloppy when going to the right. College defenders often shaded Muhammad to his right, and it will only get worse in the NBA if he doesn't improve his right-hand handle. A little short than the ideal NBA small forward, it will likely be Muhammad's position nonetheless given his ball handling and jump shot.

The one gaping chasm in Muhammad's offensive game is his playmaking ability. He's the rare scorer who is not effective in isolation, and he's a bit of a black hole once he gets the ball in his hands. He had a usage percentage of nearly 30 percent but averaged only 0.8 assists per game, which is abysmal for a perimeter player. Opponents could feel free to double and triple Muhammad, because chances were he wasn't passing the ball. Here's a telling/chilling tidbit courtesy of DraftExpress: Michael Beasley, Morris Almond, Lazar Hayward and Al Thornton are the only non-big men selected in the first round in the past 10 years with a lower assist rate than Muhammad. Yikes. Muhammad's confidence can also work against him, as he'll too often settle for the type of low-percentage two-point shots that have driven us here at Bullets Forever crazy for so long.

Muhammad's effort, strength and length are all reflected in his totals on the offensive glass. With 3.5 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes, Muhammad was one of the better offensive-rebounding perimeter players in the country.

Defense: Perhaps a bigger reason why Muhammad will probably have to play small forward in the NBA is that he lacks the lateral agility and foot speed to defend NBA shooting guards. There's perhaps no bigger indicator of Muhammad's lack of elite-level athleticism than the 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks he averaged per game. Top athletes find a way to make a bigger defensive impact than that.

Muhammad's mindset also undergoes a sudden shift on the defensive end, where his competitive, aggressive nature is replaced by passivity and generally apathetic play. He could often be spotted jogging, or even walking back on defense after missing a shot, and he doesn't work much at all on defense when his man doesn't have the ball. He tends to be a "watcher" on defense, keeping his eye on the ball handler, so he often loses sight of his man and was repeatedly victimized on backdoor cuts.

Shabazz Muhammad's combine interview.

Even on the ball, Muhammad shows poor technique, standing upright in defensive stances that seem to scream, "Please drive on me!" Perhaps this is something that coaching could fix, but Muhammad just doesn't seem to be all that interested when playing defense. It's kind of infuriating to watch, actually.

Pro potential/Wizards fit: Muhammad projects as a very good scorer in the NBA, but right now there are too many glaring holes in his game, namely his playmaking and defense, to determine if he has what to takes to fulfill the projections of stardom that hung over him a few years ago. I think some casual fans who've heard for years about Muhammad's supposed elite-level athleticism could be shocked when they first see him on an NBA court and realize that he's actually not that great of an athlete for a lottery pick.

Muhammad's stock has fallen from that of a top-overall pick a few years ago and a top-3 pick prior to his college season to the point where now some are questioning whether he could fall out of the top 10, or even the lottery altogether. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but you do get the feeling when watching Muhammad that his stock is more based on the hype he accrued as a high schooler than his play as a collegiate, when he seemed to score more by sheer force of will than by skill or talent. Muhammad has the mentality to thrive in the NBA, but does he have the skillset? He won't be able to bull through defenders in the pros the way he did in high school and college.

As for the Wizards, it's looking more and more likely that Muhammad might be available when it comes time for Washington's selection. He fits a need in that the team could use another perimeter scoring threat. Plus, as a scorer who's best cutting to the basket and catching-and-shooting, Muhammad will need a good point guard to be effective at the next level, so he's a decent fit alongside John Wall.

But he's not the kind of deep-shooting threat that really thrived alongside Wall last season, and it's hard to see how Muhammad would fit into a team that last season prided itself on its defense. Randy Wittman has proven he isn't afraid to sit guys who don't hustle on defense, so if the Wizards select Muhammad, he would need to completely alter his mindset on that end of the floor in order to avoid being buried on the bench for much of his rookie season.

NBA Draft 2013 scouting report: Alex Len

2013-05-09T15:56:14Z

Team: Maryland

Class: Sophomore

Position: Center

Expected draft position: Top 10

Year	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3FG%	FT%
2012-13	38	11.9	7.0	1.0	0.2	2.1	53.4%	12.5%	68.6%

College career: The arrival of Olexiy "Alex" Len at the University of Maryland campus was a bit unusual, in that it came without the months or even years that fans, thanks to the coverage dedicated to college basketball recruiting, typically have to become acquainted with a school's top recruits. When Len signed with the Terps at the end of August 2011, a couple months before his freshman season was set to start, he was already well-known among international scouts, who had been projecting Len as a future NBA lottery pick since seeing him flash rare athleticism for a 7-footer during the 2010 Under-18 European Championships. But he was still an enigma to fans, who knew nothing about him other than he was big (7'1"), Ukrainian and, given the pro hype, the key to replacing their departed star center, Jordan Williams.

Len's college career got off to an inauspicious start when the NCAA suspended him from the first 10 games of his freshman season over concerns that he violated amateurism rules by playing for a professional club team in Ukraine. Once Len got on the floor, his play didn't exactly live up to the hype. While he flashed moments of dominance, they came between lengthy periods of listless, near-invisible play. Some of his struggles were attributed to the difficulty of learning a new language while also adapting to a different culture and brand of basketball, not to mention a college course load, all while dealing with the expectation of being a future lottery pick. Still, Len's potential as a versatile offensive center and elite rim protector was obvious, and he entered his sophomore season still projected as a high pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Whether Len lived up to the hype as a sophomore probably depends on which games you saw him play.

Whether Len lived up to the hype as a sophomore probably depends on which games you saw him play. He opened the season with a dominant showing against Nerlens Noel, the top recruit in the nation, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a loss to Kentucky. The performance immediately generated reports of NBA scouts stating that Len had an outside shot of being the top pick in 2013 draft. Unfortunately for Len, his first game of the season might have also have been his best, as the inconsistency from his freshman year carried over to 2012, though his streaks of inspired play were more frequent and lasting. He had a game-winning tip in against N.C. State, two strong efforts against Duke and Mason Plumlee towards of the end of the season, and another huge game against Alabama in the third-round of the NIT, but fans saw Len at his best against Noel, and he never quite measured up to that standard again.

Questions abounded whether Len's inconsistency was due to a general lack of toughness and killer drive, or the guards he was playing with at Maryland, who seemed incapable of feeding him the ball down low despite his ability to establish decent position. It didn't help Len's cause when news broke last week that he had been diagnosed immediately after the season with a partial stress fracture in his ankle, and that he had undergone surgery that would keep him out 4-6 months, meaning he'll miss pre-draft workouts, summer league and preseason games, and maybe even the first part of the regular season. In addition to the health concerns that come with leg injuries to any young big man, the universal expectation was that Len would have shined in individual workouts with teams running up to the draft, perhaps putting to rest some of the remaining concerns scouts have with his game. On the other hand, it was reported during the second-half of the Terps' season that Len was playing with a sprained ankle; if he was in fact playing with the stress fracture, that might go a long way to explaining why he was so inconsistent down the stretch.

Offense: Len in some ways violates the stereotype surrounding European big men, namely that they're jump shooters and can't play down low. If Len has a bright future in the NBA, it will be because of his post game, which is still developing, but shows clear potential. He has soft hands and great touch around the basket. Right now he's much better at facing up to the basket, using his quickness to get by defenders and his length to finish at the rim. Even after adding a lot of weight between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Len doesn't currently have the strength to effectively bang and bruise down low, but he has wide shoulders and the frame needed to bulk up further. When Len did post up in college, he showcased quick feet, but his footwork was wildly inconsistent. There were times when his low post moves couldn't look smoother, and others when he'd look uncoordinated and off-balance, like a kid still getting used to a recent growth spurt. Len does pass well out of the post, when he remains calm and doesn't get flustered by double- or triple-teams, which happens more often than you'd like. Len rarely looks to take over a game, preferring to play within the offense (an asset Randy Wittman would love) and take his shots as they come. But this unselfishness also worked to his detriment, as there were often times when the Terps needed Len to be more aggressive offensively, leading scouts to question whether he's too passive for the NBA.

As for Len's jump shot, it's NBA-ready from midrange. He's got very good mechanics on his jumper, and projects as an above-average shooter for an NBA center, one who could flourish in the pick-the-roll alongside the right point guard (John Wall?). Len also improved as a free throw shooter while at Maryland (59% as a freshman, 69% as a sophomore) and should be above average for an NBA big man given his solid form.

Defense: For his size, Len is a decent shot blocker and rebounder. At this stage, he's not what you would call dominant at either. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game as a freshman, leading the ACC in blocks-per-40 minutes, but he averaged the same amount again as a sophomore despite playing five more minutes per game. Len also averaged 7.8 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per game in 2012, which is good, but not great. Still, at 7'1" and with his length, Len will be able to protect the rim from the moment he steps on an NBA court. On the perimeter, Len's quick feet serve him well defending the pick-and-roll, as he's able to step out and hedge screens while maintaining the ability to get back and guard his man.

A disciplined defender who generally stayed out of foul trouble, averaging 2.7 fouls per game as a sophomore, Len relies on bodying up in the post, moving his feet and forcing opponents to shoot over him. He doesn't have the strength to consistently keep from getting posted up, and opponents are consistently able to establish deep post position against him. It didn't matter as much in college, where most of the players Len guarded didn't have the length to shoot over him, but that won't be the case in the pros, and he'll need to learn that the key to defending down low is to do your work early.

At his ceiling, Len projects as a center that can shut down an opponent's best post scorer, protect the rim, and score at will.

Pro potential/Wizards fit: Questionably listed at 255 pounds, Len has the frame to put on the weight he'll need to survive down low in the NBA. At 7'1", he boasts as much potential as any player in the 2013 NBA Draft, and is generally considered its second-best center prospect behind Noel. At his ceiling, Len projects as a center that can shut down an opponent's best post scorer, protect the rim, and score at will, either in the post, where his quickness and length will make him a matchup nightmare, or in the pick-and-roll, whether it's popping out for a jump shot or rolling to the rim for alley oops. Len also runs the floor very well for a player his size, which combined with his potential as a pick-and-roll partner makes him a perfect fit schematically alongside Wall.

Len often appears calm and collected on the court, perhaps to a fault, as his toughness and passion for the game are often among the main questions raised about him. His passivity was well-publicized during his freshman season, when he struggled to adapt to a new way of life in the United States. By his sophomore season, Len had mastered English and appeared far more comfortable with his teammates and reporters in the locker room. His on-court demeanor didn't change much, but he frequently flashed some fire, pumping his fists and shouting into the crowd on occasions when he or one of his teammates made a big play. As for his toughness, Len doesn't really seek out contact on either end of the floor, but he doesn't back down from it either. He also rarely looks to the officials for help on the offensive end, where's he undoubtedly a finesse player, more interested in using his quickness and length to score rather than banging down low.

For what it's worth, in his latest mock draft ESPN's Chad Ford has the Wizards taking Len at No. 8 overall, citing his enormous upside and Washington's need for a long-term solution in the post. Whether the Wizards actually consider selecting Len will depend on if they're willing to take a chance on a potential cornerstone, or if they'd rather go with a safer selection that can instantly contribute to a team with its sights set on making the playoffs.

---

We reached out to SB Nation's Maryland Terrapins blog, Testudo Times, for help in breaking down Len's pro potential, and contributors Pete Volk and Dave Tucker were kind enough to offer their analysis:

Volk:

Alex Len will need at least a year before he can play in the NBA. If the Wizards, or whoever ends up with him, are smart, that will be in the D-League, but we've seen early picks thrust too early into the league before.

Any time you watched a Maryland basketball game this season, whichever new announcing team was in town would spend half the game commenting on how bad Len looked. "This is the guy everyone wants to take in the lottery? Him?" They weren't wrong, in a sense - Len had really an awful sophomore year with Maryland, and has MUCH work to do before he's even a passable basketball player.

The potential is undoubtedly there, and with it it's easy to understand why teams want him. He's tall, has great length, is a plus shooter, and his defensive awareness is growing steadily. His biggest problem remains on the offensive side of the ball - he has NO idea what to do with himself in the post - but that can be taught (and weight can be put on). The comparisons to Nowitzki and Gasol will likely be endless, but that's pretty lazy. Instead, in a perfect world, I see him closer to Amare Stoudemire, with less inside explosiveness. Len is incredibly athletic, and can dunk with the best of them, and has that great outside shot to back him up. All he needs to work on is his game in the post - once he's got that, the rest is golden.

Tucker:

At 7' 1", Len definitely has size and potential, which is why he's viewed as a top 10 pick by most. When you look at the transformation he made at Maryland between last year and this year, it was a night and day improvement. He's definitely shown the ability to get better when he's give the chance to work on his game. Case in point - his mid-range jumper, a shot that seemingly didn't exist his freshman year, became a regular part of his scoring arsenal this season. If he's given time and the proper coaching, Len has the potential to be a great center in the NBA, including on the defensive side of the ball.

This season at Maryland, Len led the ACC in blocks with 78. He was also a force on the glass, grabbing 7.8 rebounds per game. His mid-range jumper was a nice addition for him, allowing him to shot over a defender if he was unable to get to the rim. However, one of his biggest struggles this season was putting the ball on the floor too often when he was around the basket. As the season progressed, he began to simply put up a shot or slam it home rather than trying to dribble it once or twice first. However, he still struggled at times, especially when he was double teamed in the paint. He was often times unable to find the open player in those situations and would put up an ill-advised shot or turn the ball over. But again, that was something he continued to improve on throughout the season.

In terms of how he'll fit in with the Wizards, I think fans need to look at Len as a bit of a project, especially given the stress fracture in his ankle that he recently had surgery to correct. Len was arguably someone who could have benefited from spending time in the D-League this summer, but will now be unable to do anything basketball related for the next six months as he recovers. As a result, if the Wizards selected Len, I don't think you'd see him make much of an impact during the 2013-2014 season. How he fits on the team after that depends on what Washington does with some of the current players on their roster. Ideally, you'd like to slowly work Len into your rotation. He has the potential to be a very skilled center who can back down defenders, make mid-range jumpers, grab rebounds and protect the basket on defense. But Len's ankle should raise a red flag in that many big men who suffer foot injuries often times struggle upon their return.

2012-13 Washington Wizards player evaluation: Jan Vesely

2013-05-06T22:32:12Z

Our player evaluations for the 2012-13 season continue today with a look at the curious case of Jan Vesely.

Basic stats: 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game, 30.8 percent from the foul line, 48 true shooting percentage, 11.3 rebound percentage.

Contract status: The Wizards picked up the 2013-14 options for Vesely and a slew of other players still on their rookie contracts back in October. Vesely is set to make about $3.34 million next season, his third in the NBA. If the team picks up his fourth-year option, Vesely will earn about $4.24 million in 2014-15.

Preseason expectations: It's hard to set the bar much lower than Vesely did in his rookie year, when as the sixth-overall pick he averaged 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds for a team that went 20-46 in a lockout-shortened season. Still, Vesely displayed flashes over the last 10 games of the 2011-12 season, averaging 8.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, and his potential fit as a fast-break and pick-and-roll partner for franchise cornerstone John Wall was never in question. Vesely also appeared to display an improved jump shot before going down with a leg injury during the 2012 Las Vegas Summer League. Expectations for Vesely were pretty low heading into the 2012-13 season given his lackluster rookie campaign and general disdain from fans wishing another selection had been made at No. 6, but suffice to say Vesely was expected to at least show improvement in his sophomore campaign.

Offense: It's hard to draw any conclusions from Vesely's stats given how little and sporadically he played this season (with 601 total minutes on the year, no player who spent the entire season with the Wizards played less), but for what it's worth, the team was almost four points better offensively with Vesely on the court. In fact, the Wizards' offensive rating when Vesely was on the court ranked third on the team, behind only Wall and Nene. Now, there are a few potential explanations for this, and none of them are that Vesely is a passable offensive player. Either it's a statistical anomaly due to a small sample size, or a function of the offense playing better as a whole because their worst offensive player never took a shot unless it was a dunk or putback attempt (we'll call this the Anti-Kevin Seraphin Effect).

For the second straight season, other than passing the ball from the top of key and setting screens that mostly led to nothing except for the rare alley-oop, Vesely really didn't contribute anything on the offensive side of the ball. He wasn't a threat anywhere on the floor; teams didn't even bother guarding him away from the basket, and he has no post game to speak of. Vesely wasn't even much of a factor in transition, as only 15.9 percent of his points came on the fast break. It didn't help him that Wall, who seems to be the only player capable of getting Vesely scoring chances, missed the first 33 games of the season. I suppose you could say Vesely was adequate on the offensive glass -- his 8.4 offensive rebound percentage was third on the team behind Trevor Booker and Emeka Okafor -- but you'd like that to be a bigger part of his game given his athleticism and limitations everywhere else on offense.

Oh, and he made less than 31 percent of his free throws, which, and I cannot emphasize this enough, is not a typo.

Defense: Vesely's athleticism makes him a versatile and, at times, disruptive defender, capable of guarding multiple positions and switching out on perimeter players in the pick-and-roll, but he's a weak post defender who gives up position too easily and tries to make up for it later by fouling, which resulted in him recording 6.4 fouls per 36 minutes, by far the highest rate of any player who spent the entire season with the Wizards. One of several running jokes during the first couple months of the Wizards' season was that Vesely had recorded more fouls than points or rebounds. He ended up with 126 points, 122 rebounds and 107 fouls on the season, which somehow isn't any less depressing. Vesely's lack of strength also makes him a poor defensive rebounder, as evidenced by a 15.1 defensive rebound percentage last season, lowest among Washington's big men.

The net result was that the Wizards were more than four points worse defensively with Vesely on the court, and the team's 104.2 defensive rating with Vesely in the lineup was second-worst on the team to Booker. Whether that's again an anomaly, the point stands that Vesely did little to help his team on the defensive end.

Did he meet, exceed or fall short of expectations? This is a bit relative, considering that most of the fanbase had already written him off before his sophomore season even began, but it's safe to say that regardless of how low you set them in the preseason, Vesely fell well short of expectations.

Overall: I might be the lone remaining person on the planet still holding out some hope that Vesely could one day turn into a useful NBA player, but this past season certainly didn't do anything to reinforce my faith in him. Other than jumping, the only useful skill Vesely has shown on the offensive end of the floor is his instincts, specifically passing the ball. It's rare that he actually finds himself in a position to flash them, so these instincts don't lead to many assists, but in instances where Vesely actually handles the ball, he has shown a knack for finding small passing lanes and creativity in getting the ball through them. It's these isolated plays that Vesely makes when he doesn't have time to "think" out on the court that gives me hope.

But first Vesely will have to get his head right, as a crushing lack of confidence is the only explanation for a professional basketball player with passable shooting form sporting a 31-percent free through percentage. Even Randy Wittman acknowledged that Vesely "needs to work on his head first" before focusing on other aspects of his game this offseason. To that end, it appears Vesely will most likely skip the 2013 Vegas summer league and play in EuroBasket 2013 for the Czech Republic. Hopefully playing back home, where Vesely remains popular, will help get him back to the player the Wizards (and other talent evaluators) were so high on entering the 2011 NBA Draft.

If Vesely continues to get stronger in the offseason and improves his jumper to the point where he can at least knock down wide-open midrange shots, he could move himself ahead of Booker and Chris Singleton in the Wizards' hierarchy of young big men. But if not, and if Vesely doesn't show more consistently the defensive disruption and rebounding that he flashed at times his rookie season, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the team either looks to trade him at midseason next year or simply chooses to not pick up his fourth-year-option.

Poll

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate Jan Vesely's season.

1

261 votes

2

122 votes

3

50 votes

4

11 votes

5

8 votes

6

4 votes

7

2 votes

8

0 votes

9

1 votes

10

16 votes

475 votes | Poll has closed

Wizards Wrap: Wrapping up another manic season

2013-04-19T21:41:38Z

On a day when most of us are probably distracted by things way more important than basketball, if you feel the need for a diversion, feel free to comb through this weeks's Wrap, in which we'll try to put a nice, tidy bow on another manic, disappointing Wizards season:

Lots of goodies in these "end of season" stories. [Washington Post (Optimism, offseason outlook) | Washington Examiner (Report card, offseason ?s, Wittman's passion) | AP | CBS DC | Wiz of Awes | Wizards Extreme]
Several Wizards intimated in their exit interviews with the media that they'd rather the team not use its first-round draft pick and acquire a veteran instead. This would make Mike sad.
By the way, the Wiz have the eighth-best odds of winning the lottery after losing a coin flip to the Pistons today.
Still, don't expect to hear about Wall pleading with any veterans to come join the Wiz. [CSN Washington]
Here's some links to audio of said exit interviews. [District Sports Page]
And more on Wall's exit interview. [Truth About It]
If you haven't read James Herbert's profile of Wall, do it. Now. [SB Nation]
What were the Wizards' top 10 moments this season? [Wizards Insider]
Jason Reid pretty much nails it with this column about John Wall and how whether he deserves a max contract and whether he will get one are two different things. [Washington Post]
Wait a minute, do doctors expect Bradley Beal to grow another few inches? Because that would be amazing. [CSN Washington]
As expected, Wall and Beal dominate this video-list of the Wizards' top 10 plays of the season. Can you guys think of any plays that got snubbed? [NBA.com]
With Wall and Beal in tow, the Wizards appear to be as well-positioned as any team in this year's lottery to have a rebound season next year. [E$PN Insider]
Randy Wittman has been rightly praised for holding the team together through a horrific start to the season, but his tear ducts might deserve a share of the credit. [CSN Washington]
Sounds like Ted is on board with Wall's plans to keep both he and Martell Webster around. [CSN Washington]
BNIE asked the eternal question: Is there anything that could get Ernie Grunfeld fired?
We all knew Nene was hurting this season, but not so much that he actually contemplated retirement. Yikes. [CSN Washington]
The word 'Watergate' means one thing to 99.99999% of the United States. It means something else to the Wizards, even though they play about two miles from the real thing. [Truth About It]
Trevor Ariza came on strong for the Wiz towards the middle of the season, but battles injuries down the stretch and is focused on coming back healthy next season. [CSN Washington]
Beal says he wants a stretch four for next season. Which draft prospects fit that mold? [CBS DC]
Here's a draft profile of Cody Zeller, who will likely be available whenever the Wizards pick in the first round. [Wiz of Awes]
Not only was Marcus Smart's decision to return for his sophomore season probably a bad move financially, but it could also affect which prospects are available when the Wizards pick. [Washington Examiner]
If you like math, you'll enjoy this suggestion for how to revamp the NBA's draft lottery system. [Truth About It]
Rasheed Wallace has retired, which means that somehow Juwan Howard, who has to be pushing 80, is the last remaining ex-Bullet in the NBA. [CSN Washington]
Eddie Jordan-to-Rutgers is a done deal. [AP]
OK, so the DC Sports Bog has been on fire this week with the Wizards-related posts, so I decided to just group them all here at the end...
As pointed out by Dan Steinberg, our optimism that the Wizards will have a better season next year has become something of an annual tradition.
Bet you guys thought the Wizards lost all their swag with their Steez, but you'd be wrong.
Webster recently got a pedicure. Somehow that turned into two (brilliant) Bog posts. [Part I | Part II]
It didn't take much divination to conclude Jan Vesely wasn't exactly confident when he stepped to the free throw line this season, but who could have guessed he was downright petrified?
Congrats are in order for Emeka Okafor, who's expecting the birth of his first child next month.
I'm pretty sure the segway was invented so that Kevin Seraphin could one day ride one.
Garrett Temple grew up new New Orleans. He isn't a fan of the name "Pelicans."
We can officially add "filing taxes" to the long list of things people would rather do than watch the Wizards.

Washington Redskins 2013 NFL Draft Profiles: Kenny Tate, safety, Maryland

2013-04-15T02:14:58Z

Measurements: 6'4", 221 lbs.

Projected round: 7-FA

Why he would be a good Redskin: The Redskins are in desperate need of a safety, and Kenny Tate fits the bill physically. At 6-feet-4-inches tall and 220 pounds, he strikes a similar profile to the late Sean Taylor. Recruited out of DeMatha High School as a highly-touted wide receiver, Tate has the ball skills to play centerfield against the pass as well as the size and physicality to make an impact in the running game and blitzing the quarterback. Though it seems like forever ago, there was actually a time when Tate was one of the more intriguing safety prospects in college football. He was a first-team all-ACC selection following a breakout junior season in which he recorded 100 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions while generally terrorizing opposing offenses, but Tate elected to return for his senior season after being told that he was projected as a second- or third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He entered his senior year on the watch lists for the Bednarik, Nagurski, Lott and Butkus awards with an eye on becoming a first-round selection. Starting at the "Star" hybrid safety-linebacker position, Tate racked up 35 tackles and two interceptions in the first four games of the 2011 season.

Why he won't be drafted by the Redskins: Since then, Tate has fallen off the map. He missed the rest of 2011 with an undisclosed injury that eventually required surgery and earned him a medical redshirt. The exact nature of the injury is still unknown, but it was eventually revealed to have been to Tate's right knee. Tate then hurt his left knee a week before the 2012 opener, and missed the first four games of the season. When he returned, Tate was solid, but not the impact player he once was. Whether due to the injuries or some added bulk he put on to play linebacker, Tate's stock has plummeted since he was projected to go in the draft's top three rounds. How far? He wasn't even invited to this year's NFL Scouting Combine, and could very well go undrafted.

Bottom Line: Physically, Tate has the ideal measurables to project as a safety in the NFL, but might not have the requisite athleticism. His switch to the "Star" position was a bit puzzling to Terps fans who watched Tate thrive at safety, but lingering concerns about his top-end speed and whether his hips were too stiff to play full-time in the secondary seemed to be validated at Tate's pro day. Tate ran the 40-yard dash in 4.76 and 4.66 seconds, below-average for a safety, but not catastrophic (Kenny Vaccaro and Tony Jefferson ran a 4.63 and 4.75 at the combine, respectively). His 33-inch vertical jump, 4.34-second short shuttle and 15 bench reps were also underwhelming, but most troubling might have been his 7.20-second time in the three-cone drill; no safety at the combine came in at more than 7.07 seconds. He's plenty physical for a safety, but he doesn't have the bulk or strength to be a factor at linebacker. Is it possible Tate is simply a physical specimen without a position? He mentioned his versatility at his pro day, along with the possibility that he could move back to offense, but he didn't play at all on that side of the ball in college. Still, if he goes undrafted, Tate will get some invites to camp, and it wouldn't surprise if coaches find a way for him to contribute, even if it's as a gunner on special teams. He has too many physical skills to simply go unnoticed.

Poll

Should the Redskins use a late-round draft pick on Kenny Tate?

Yes

203 votes

No

131 votes

334 votes | Poll has closed

Wizards vs. 76ers recap roundup: Washington shows little fight while falling in its home finale

2013-04-13T19:07:42Z

Here's you recap roundup for the Washington Wizards 97-86 home finale loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, which officially put an end to any hopes for finishing with the ninth-best record in the Eastern Conference. But the race for 30 wins is alive and well!! For more coverage, head over to our Storystream and be sure to check out postgame interviews with Randy Wittman, John Wall, Trevor Booker and Garrett Temple, courtesy of Monumental Network.

---

Washington Post

Whether they were done in by fatigue, attrition or a simple lack of focus, the Washington Wizards were unable to capture a goal set since the all-star break. The playoffs were essentially out of the question when they started the season with 12 straight losses (and 28 in their first 32 games), but Coach Randy Wittman kept urging his players to keep pushing for ninth in the Eastern Conference.

The goal of finishing as the best of the worst may have seemed small, but it kept the Wizards motivated through a time of the season when it's easy for teams in their position to become preoccupied with the NBA draft lottery. Friday's 97-86 loss to Philadelphia at Verizon Center ended that pursuit.

Washington Examiner

Fading hopes of a last ditch push for ninth place in the Eastern Conference were erased in their final home game of the season, a 96-87 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers for their fourth straight defeat.

"Any time you don't reach your goal it's disappointing," Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. "We gave it a shot. That's what we tried to do to keep our focus on moving forward here at the end."

Associated Press

With their coach's future in question, the 76ers awoke from pack-it-in mode Friday night, recovering from a 13-point, second-quarter deficit and pulling away in the second half for a 97-86 win, putting to rest the Washington Wizards' goal of becoming the best non-playoff team in the Eastern Conference.

CSN Washington recap

The inability to make shots translated into a lackluster effort on defense Friday.

"We were getting a little down," said John Wall, who had a game-high 24 points on 9-for-21 shooting and seven assists. "Usually when we (make shots) we play defense and keep ourselves into the games and we didn't do that in the second half."

WashingtonWizards.com

The Wizards were dominant in the early going, holding a seven point lead at the end of the first quarter and opening up a 13 point lead in the second quarter. The game would turn drastically once the Wizards opened up that double digit lead as the 76ers would close the half on a 20-8 run and head into the locker room down by just one. The third quarter was more Sixers as the Wizards shot just 7/25 from the field and the Sixers would hold a 9 point lead going into the fourth. The Wizards would never seriously challenge Philly in the final frame and the Wizards would eventually fall by 11.

Wiz of Awes

The embarrassing part of Washington's recent slide has been the public declaration the team made that they were gunning for the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference (in case you are very unaware of the NBA's playoff structure, only the top 8 teams from each conference qualify. Perhaps you may consider this to be pointless effort. Perhaps you may be right). I for one have said that I'm on board with this pursuit, if only because it's more valuable for these young players to learn how to win than to marginally improve draft stock in what some people are calling the worst draft in the lottery era (since 1985), or at least since 2000. So the assumption was that while other teams would probably take their foot off the pedal, the Wizards could earn some wins and achieve the ultimate moral victory. After losing their 4th straight game tonight, that objective is officially out of reach.

Wizards Extreme

It was nice to see Wittman let Trevor Booker come out and play with his friends tonight, and he did his usual "make the best of my minutes" moves, going 5-for-6 for 10 points. With Seraphin essentially useless on the court (he went 5-for-13 for 10 points), Booker was really the only option at the PF spot. However, Wittman really let Serpahin try and get into the swing of things in the second half instead of letting Booker continue his good night on the floor. In an even more confusing fashion, Wittman decided to throw Jan Vesely in while the Wizards were down 13 with about four minutes to play in the 4th quarter. If Booker is not brought back next season for whatever reason, he's certainly making an effort to make it known to other teams what he's capable of.

CSN Washington sidebar

Should there be any doubt who is the better player between Wall and Sixers SF Evan Turner? Turner, who was drafted No. 2 overall behind Wall in 2010, had seven assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes but was 0-for-11 shooting. He failed to score. Wall had 24 points on 9-for-21 shooting and seven assists.

Liberty Ballers

Speaking of bad performances... Evan Turner had a terrible shooting performance: 0-11 (0 points) in 24 minutes played. He contributed with 7 assists and 4 rebounds but that was just a terrible performance against a bad team. The sad part is that when Evan did try to attempt higher percentage shots at the rim he was blocked (2 blocked attempts). This is a result of going up too soft.

Philly Inquirer

Facing a Washington team that, like the 76ers, is playing out the remaining string of games on its schedule, the Sixers fell behind by 13 points in the second quarter and then outscored the Wizards by 69-45 the rest of the way, ending a three-game losing streak with a 97-86 win. The Sixers improved to 32-47.

However, the outcome of this game is meaningless. The truth of the matter is that Collins, who led this team to back-to-back playoff appearances, could be coaching his last three games with the Sixers.

Philly Daily News

When John Wall missed 33 games because of injury to begin the season, the Washington Wizards picked up only five wins. In the 47 games with him, they are now 24-23 after the Sixers took a 97-86 decision in a less than meaningless game at the Verizon Center.

Wall finished with 24 points and seven assists, but the Sixers rode a balanced offense in improving their record to 32-47.

The Sixer Sense

Doug Collins plugged in Nick Young early in the game, probably in hopes that he would want to show the Wizards some of the swag they were missing out on after losing him. It did not work out that way. Swaggy P missed every shot he took, and resided on the bench for the vast majority of the game. Dorrell Wright seems to be the consistent go-to guy that has knocked Nick Young out of the rotation. The two of them most certainly will not be on the squad together next season. If only one stays, it won't be the guy who calls himself Swaggy

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NBA Draft 2013 scouting report: Alex Len

2012-13 Washington Wizards player evaluation: Jan Vesely

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate Jan Vesely's season.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Wizards Wrap: Wrapping up another manic season

Washington Redskins 2013 NFL Draft Profiles: Kenny Tate, safety, Maryland

Should the Redskins use a late-round draft pick on Kenny Tate?

Yes

No

Wizards vs. 76ers recap roundup: Washington shows little fight while falling in its home finale