FanPost

Pick Number 52

With Otto likely taking up north of $100 million next year and other large contracts like Mahinmi and Beal on the books, the Wizards have to take every advantage they can to get good cheap talent. I know the 52nd pick doesn't give a lot of hope but we just lost to the 60th pick in the 2010 draft so every pick counts. If Ernie doesn't throw away another second round pick and actually does some scouting I think there are some interesting picks that can at least be put on the roster.

1.) Sindarius Thornwell (6' 5" SG from the University of South Carolina) - If Thornwell is still on the board at 52, he would be the steal of the draft in my opinion. His play in the NCAA tournament this season probably opened a lot of scout's eyes. Even though he averaged 21 points a game, his calling card was easily his defense. Seeing as the Wizards' back up SG was McClellan and Satoransky this would automatically give us a four year guy who doesn't need as much development, who provides an immediate need of tough physical perimeter defense, scoring ability, and a high energy motor. I think a second unit of Sato at the 1, Thornwell at the 2, Oubre at the 3 and Mahinmi would instantly bring a toughness defensively and possibly give Wall another shooter to help develop.

2.) Nigel Williams-Goss (6' 4" PG from Gonzaga) - Satoransky and Jennings proved that the Wizards still haven't solved their backup PG situation. Goss is a guy who has spent 5 years in college (one of them was a transfer year). Once again, he won't need as much development because he's a 5th year senior, has proven he can lead his team to multiple 30 win seasons and has shown good control of the game. Goss is a guy I think could come in and really learn from John Wall, another point guard who knows how to use his size to his advantage, and be trusted to not turn the ball over or force a play on offense.

3.) Monte Morris (6' 2" PG from Iowa State) - Another 4 year point guard who has a resume of production behind him. He's a little bit smaller but his assist to turnover ratio was among the nation's best every year. He averaged something like 16 points and 6 assists a game and shot 37 percent from the college 3 on 4 attempts a game. Morris can be trusted with the ball as the leader of the second unit to find open guys like Oubre or Jason Smith and even play off ball during the times he's on the court with John Wall.

4.) Semi Ojeleye (6' 7" SF/PF from SMU) - Ojeleye is a physical specimen with 6' 7" height and a 6' 10" wingspan on a 240 lb. frame!!! He's extremely athletic and was the do-it-all motor for SMU this season. He was doing the jump balls at the beginning of games and has the ability to score down low and from 3 point range. Not only that but he has played under 2 great college coaches in Larry Brown and Mike Krzyzewski (at Duke). Semi's size and athleticism would allow him to guard 3's and 4's and give some versatility to line ups with Oubre, Markieff Morris, or Otto.

5.) Nigel Hayes (6' 8" PF from Wisconsin) - Hayes is a senior who has been to two final fours and 4 sweet sixteens. His size, intensity and playmaking ability reminds me a lot of Draymond Green. His three point shot has not been consistent in college, but this late in the draft we can afford to take a guy who may have some serious upside. He finishes around the rim, plays good team defense, and is a pretty good passer for his position. This pick is based solely on late round potential but is still interesting to me. It was only 2 years ago that he appeared on mock drafts as a late first rounder or early second rounder.

6.) Josh Hart (6' 6" SG from Villanova) - Josh Hart famously led Villanova to a national championship in 2016. He's another 4 year guy who has a great all around game. HIs three point shot is strong, he can move the ball, and has good size to defend at the next level. Villanova played small all season this past season and was still a strong defensive team because of guys like him. Hart was a first rounder in a lot of preseason mock drafts this year but he has slowly dropped as younger players have emerged with more upside. If anything we get another strong 3 point shooter and good team guy.

All in all, the front office has to be challenged to start being creative if they want to save money. I do think this will finally be the year we go into the luxury tax but we can avoid having to go deep into the tax by doing our due diligence during every part of the offseason. Do you guys like any of these picks or think there is a use for our 52nd draft pick? Are there any other players you think may potentially fill a need for us this offseason?

This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.