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“Terps, Hoyas, and Wizards”

June 6, 2012 *Exclusive* Interview with Jonathan Wasserman of NBADraft.net

By: The DC Dime Staff

With the lottery behind us and the NBA draft only a few short weeks away, I’m sure every Wizards fan is wondering the same question: Who are the Wizards going to draft with the #3 pick? While my colleagues and I may have some pretty comprehensive knowledge on the subjects of NBA draft and the draft, we’re not experts. But while we aren’t, there are some websites that excel at providing some of the most in-depth, impressive, and knowledgeable information on the draft process and the players within.

NBADraft.net is arguably the best out there in terms of draft knowledge, and The DC Dime has been reading it since it’s inception. We managed to get Johnathan Wasserman, one of the writers and analysts for NBADraft.net, to take some time out of his day to answer for Wizards fans a few questions regarding the draft:

DCDIME: Harrison Barnes is a name no fans around DC are talking about, yet you list him as the top SF in the draft. Why should fans change their tune about the Black Falcon (Barnes)?
Jonathan Wasserman: Fans tend to have short memory spans. He struggled without Kendall Marshall, like any other shot-maker would, and that’s all everyone remembers. I think he’s a sure thing. Not to make an all-star team, but to make shots. And Washington needs someone who can make shots. His basement is high- worst comes to worse he’s an excellent spot-up shooter who can slash and defend. Good kid, physically ideal for his position. Low risk pick for a team that struggles to finish plays.
DC: Most people are rating Beal and Dion Waiters as the top two SG prospects available; how wide is the gap between the two as they head towards draft night?
JW: I actually like Beal and Lamb as the top two SGs. I think Beal’s game is extremely mature for his age. And what people don’t know is that he can handle the ball, which he didn’t get to do with Erving Walker in the backcourt. I love Waiters in a James Harden/6th man role. He can’t shoot like Beal, but is better at creating offense off the dribble. I think Beal will be a more efficient all around player than Waiters, who I think is more streaky.
DC:Which player of the top 6 projected (MKG, Beal, Unibrow, Drummond, T.Rob, P.Jones) has skills that will best complement/fit in with the Wizards core of Seraphin, Nene, Vesely, and Wall?
JW: Wizards need an offensive sure thing. I like Beal at 3. That would solidify Washington’s backcourt for the future. If they’re willing to be patient, I’d go Drummond, who has the highest upside. Although can’t imagine fans would like a project here.
DC: Who are some players outside the lottery that the Wizards should target as potential 2nd round selections/Free Agents?
JW: I think Will Barton could be a thought for early 2nd round. Washington is missing that athletic two guard who can slash and play off Wall. Draymond Green has to be another name Washington should circle on their boards at #32. Later in the 2nd I’d look at Kris Joseph. Long, athletic wing who could run and finish with Wall in transition. Also has defensive potential and an improved spot-up jumper.

DC: Thomas Robinson projects to be, at worst, a great rebounder in the NBA. Where do you see his potential falling? All-Star or borderline All-Star/Role Player.

JW: I think 18 and 8 are realistic numbers by year 3 for T-Rob. He’s much more than just a ridiculous athlete with NBA strength. But I’d be weary of pairing him with Nene to start. Both occupy similar floorspace, which could hinder his progression.

DC: Is Andre Drummond Kwame Brown 2.0? Or is this comparison insulting to Kwame?

JW: Outside of Davis, nobody’s ceiling is higher than Drummond’s. If he figures it out, someone will have landed themselves a starting big for years to come. Problem is big men are vulnerable to underachieving, and his raw offensive game is worrisome. But his basement is not the same as Kwame Brown’s. If Drummond never figures it out offensively, he’s still likely be the most athletic, explosive big man on the court.

DC: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a great player, but not necessarily a great shooter. Should Washington look elsewhere in the draft to address this need? Or do you select MKG based on future potential.

JW: I’d don”t think MKG has a high ceiling. I’m think he can start for many teams in the near future, but don’t expect much half court offense. In my opinion Washington needs another half-court scoring weapon, and that’s not what MKG is. He’s a quintessential glue guy who can play off better players. But unfortunately on Washington he doesn’t have great players to compliment.

DC: If you had to decide today, what do the Wizards do with this pick?

JW: My draft board for Washington, assuming Davis goes 1, would read :1. Beal 2. Drummond 3. Robinson

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Thanks again, Jonathan, for alleviating some of the fan concerns about this draft!

For all your NBA Draft information, check out http://www.NBADraft.net for the best coverage!

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