This will be a crucial summer for the Washington Wizards, who have a chance to further the rebuilding process that began last summer when they traded away Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
Getting rid of those two stars was the necessary first step, and the result of those deals was the worst regular season in Wizards franchise history. While that’s certainly a tough look, it did land them the second-overall pick in the draft.
The 2024 NBA Draft is heralded as one of the worst in recent memory, largely because the top-end talent isn’t at the same level it has been at in recent years.
That said, there are still quality players in the draft, and with pick No. 2, the Wizards should be able to snag someone who can help get their rebuild moving in the right direction.
As the days of the draft, June 26 and 27, quickly approach, the Wizards have been conducting pre-draft workouts just like every other team in the league.
According to HoopsHype’s database, they have worked out three guys who could potentially be in consideration with the second pick—Alex Sarr, Matas Buzelis, and Donovan Clingan.
Sarr is widely expected to be one of the first two picks in the draft. The 19-year-old Frenchman has a ton of potential on the defensive end and some of the highest upside in the class.
Buzelis is an all-around star who has the potential to be great in many areas, but his three-point shot wasn’t as good as anticipated this past season with the G League Ignite. That said, his playmaking and shot creation upside are clearly there.
Clingan is fresh off of winning two National Championships with the UConn Huskies. His massive stature makes him one of the best defenders in the class, and his experience winning is very valuable, too.
Obviously, Washington will consider a wide array of prospects at the second pick in the draft, but these three have directly worked out with the Wizards.
Any of the three prospects would be a good fit for Washington at pick No. 2, though Sarr would be the most obvious choice at the position, should he be available.
There is very little certainty in this year’s draft class, so the Wizards will definitely have to do their research and trust the word of their scouting team, as anything can happen.
