Each day up until the NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25, I will be taking control of an NBA franchise to select its next star (it seems in this classes case, its next seventh man).
5. Washington Wizards — Jordan Hill, F, Arizona
The Washington Wizards are an interesting team. Not many teams this high in the draft have three potential All-Stars with the likes of Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Areanas (if healthy). But, I'm not convinced the Wiz are a contender because they're certainly tumbling down a hill. The three mentioned players all are nearing an exit out of the nation's capital as Washington looks to rebuild around...nobody.
Really, the Wizards don't own one young player who can step into the shoes as the teams go-to. Some might say guard Nick Young, but he needs to take a large step next season in order for those words to garner any attention.
With its current core, the Wizards have no hope of getting past the conference semi-finals. And that's best case scenario. They need to cut the strings on the huge contracts of Jamison and Arenas and start building all over again.
I'm selecting Hill because he resembles what Washington has lacked mightily in years past: a tough inside presence. When I say 'presence,' I don't mean Dwight Howard. I'm thinking, at best, Hill turns out to be Chris Bosh. Hill is extremely long and athletic, a great shot-blocker and gets in good position for rebounds. During his junior year, Hill averaged 18 points, 11 boards and nearly two blocks per contest.
Washington has to think about its future with this pick. Hill has the potential to be a double-double man in the league and will be a great second option if he continues to improve his offensive game.
Hopefully, the days of relying on Brendan Haywood for inside production are over in D.C.
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