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Fans might quibble about results, but they certainly can't argue with the process. The Wizards behaved like a team confident in their roster construction, moving quickly to re-sign Martell Webster and Garrett Temple while acquiring backup point guard Eric Maynor with the bi-annual exception to replace the (presumably) out-bound A.J. Price. It's extremely doubtful the Wizards acquire a stretch 4 with only the veteran minimum to hand out, but that's really the only trick conceivably left to turn as Washington gears up for a playoff run.
The front-office hasn't yet let John Wall's stated need for a pick-and-pop partner dictate free-agent or draft strategy. Ernie Grunfeld focused on locking up a big piece of last year's offense, finding a superior facilitator to back-up John Wall and retaining a valuable defender in the backcourt. Passing on Nerlens Noel was a big surprise, but the Wizards certainly didn't reach for Cody Zeller. They chose the highest player on their board while solidifying their depth for a nascent run at the playoffs.
What benefit could there be in waiting? Maybe saving a year on Martell's contract? A few million between his and Maynor's deal? That's a solid maybe. So perhaps the Wizards might have been able to save enough money somewhere to sign Antawn Jamison, or whomever your choice might be for a value stretch 4 on the market. But that's armchair GM'ing. The Wizards opted for continuity while letting the prospective market for a value stretch 4 play out.
If the Wiz were going to let one perceived need languish a bit in this free agency period, I believe they picked the right one.
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