The Wizards were among the fortunate at Tuesday's NBA Draft Lottery, jumping up five spots to grab the third overall pick in next month's draft for the second year in a row.
Last summer, the Wizards selected guard Bradley Beal, who earned NBA All-Rookie first team honors (and represented the team Tuesday), so who will they choose on June 27? Based on expert mock drafts, it seems that there are really only two options.
Chad Ford, ESPN: Otto Porter, Georgetown
The Wizards need help at the small forward position and Porter, who played his college ball in Washington, appears to be the perfect fit. With two super backcourt scorers such as John Wall and Bradley Beal, having a forward who's a facilitator like Porter feels just right. The other player to watch carefully for the Wizards is Anthony Bennett. Sources say the Wizards also are very high on Bennett and could opt for his potent offensive game to expand their options at power forward.
Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress.com: Anthony Bennett, UNLV
The Wizards ranked last in offensive efficiency last season and depth at the guard positions is another area the team might look to address. Anthony Bennett might be the most talented prospect on the board regardless of position, and also fills a major need as a shooting four that can play alongside both Emeka Okafor and Nene. He looks like a good fit here considering Washington’s struggles offensively
Ben Standig, CSN Washington: Bennett
If forced to pick the best for future stardom among the 2013 class, the power-packed Bennett is a strong option. The Mountain West Rookie of the Year will miss the entire draft workout process following rotator cuff surgery, but there is plenty of game film showing the 6-foot-7 forward attacking the glass and scoring from all angles. Though not a textbook definition of a stretch-four, a position the Wizards are lacking, Bennett sank 37.5 percent of his attempts from the college 3-point line.
Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com: Porter
The Wizards get a very good outcome. Porter is a position need and coming off a season as the Big East Player of the Year that moved the versatile small forward into the top five.
Sean Deveney, Sporting News: Porter
Porter draws natural comparisons to another do-it-all Hoya small forward, Jeff Green. The comparison holds up fairly well—Porter is a better perimeter shooter than Green, but Green is a better athlete, ballhandler and passer.
Who should the Wizards select next month: Porter, Bennett or somebody else?
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