ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks draws an offensive foul as he is forced to the floor while defending against Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In Mike Lee's piece on the end of the lockout, there is a brief mention that besides re-signing Nick Young, the Wizards priority this offseason will be to obtain a veteran PG to play the role of John Wall's caddy. Now, it goes without saying that any player who signs with Washington will expect to receive extremely limited minutes at the PG position and will be signing on to provide Wall six minutes of rest a night and have someone to scrimmage against. Of course, there is also the possibility that the Wizards sign someone who is a combo guard and can split time between PG and SG. With Crawford, (maybe) Jeffers and (maybe) Young at the SG position, this too seems highly unlikely. But lets take a look at the possible candidates. First a list of the FA's available this year and then a list of likely amnesty candidates"
Free Agents
JJ Barea
T.J Ford
Aaron Brooks (restricted)
Pooh Jeter
Marcus Thornton (restricted)
Not exactly a murderer's row there. Marcus Thornton and Aaron Brooks are obviously non-starters as they play large roles on their respective teams. I think we can safely remove the veterans who have too much tread on their tires such as AD or Arroyo. I also think that we can remove guys that break the offense as Flip Saunders will most likely want to pursue someone who can run his sets. So I think Banks, Telfair and our old friend Earl Boykins are also unlikely to be coming to DC. Out of this group, the most likely guys are Pooh Jeter and Chris Quinn, neither of whom bring much to the table, but also don't take much away.
Possible Amnesty Candidates
Glibert Arenas
So the idea of Glibert Arenas returning to Washington....ok I'll stop. Taking a look at the above list, we see a lot of hefty contracts and guys who will expect minutes. The exception is Eddie House, who wouldn't come to Washington because he wants to chase rings on contenders. If Nick Young doesn't return to the Wizards, a player like Francisco Garcia would be interesting but might set the rebuild back if not acquired at the right price.
Honestly, I think the Wizards should save their powder this year and pick up the cheap option such as Chris Quinn of Pooh Jeter and give Wall all the time he wants at the position. If Steve Blake wants to come back to DC on the cheap, I'm not going to say no, but neither would I be pleased at seeing him get 15 a night either.
What do you guys think?
Poll
How big is the need for a backup PG?
Huge (38 votes)
It would be nice, but its a luxury (161 votes)
Not if its these bums (104 votes)
303 total votes


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