FanPost

Why the Wizards should follow the Raptors model

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Although the postseason attention has mainly been centered around the poor play of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors are getting it done and may very well advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Toronto GM Masai Uriji has done some really good work, and they're in a good spot moving forward. I think there are some parallels between them last year and the Wizards now.

Last year, the Raptors had Lowry, Derozan, Terrence Ross, Patrick Patterson and Jonas Valanciunas with Lou Williams, Greivis Vasquez and Amir Johnson as free agents. Three decent players who brought some good traits but were mostly one dimensional. Uriji overhauled the secondary options on the team and came away with Cory Joseph, DeMarre Carroll, and Bismack Biyombo. Their additions changed the team.

Now, the Wizards had John Wall, Bradley Beal (probably), Otto Porter, Markieff Morris, and Marcin Gortat as their starting five this past season. Jared Dudley, Ramon Sessions and Garrett Temple were the first players off the bench -- average players that aren't bringing great two-way ball. I'd argue the pieces the Wizards have in place are better than what Toronto had at this time last year.

So often, everyone mentions the need for another star on this team. I agree that a big-time difference maker never hurts. But Toronto was a great 2 seed this year and is in good position to contend in the East for years to come. Their youth is key.

This offseason, the Wizards should really focus on those younger second or third tier free agents who have the potential to hit that next level. Joseph averaged 7 pts and 2 assists last year, Biyombo put up 5 pts and 6 boards -- who's comparable this year? Both averaged just under 20 mins a game last year and are now big-time contributors for Toronto at 24 and 23 respectively. They each look like they could be long term starters if necessary and are only getting better.

I think Tomas Satoransky could be one, but how about adding a couple of these guys:

  • Seth Curry - Former Kings head coach George Karl praised his defense and we all know he can shoot
  • Tyler Johnson - Miami could let him slip and he's a good defender, shooter and can handle some point guard minutes
  • Austin Rivers - he's not the guy anyone thought he'd be but he's shown he can defend, shoot decently and also handle point
  • Solomon Hill - played big mins for Indiana and he could fit as another 4 with the ability to play 3
  • Terrence Jones or Donatas Motiejunas - Houston will probably lose one and they've both shown flashes and never got consistent minutes
  • Ian Clark - can GS afford him? He hasn't proven much but looks like a guy ready to play bigger minutes somewhere
  • Dwight Powell - looks like a guy who could fit next to either Morris or Gortat - athleticism always helps with Wall
  • Matthew Dellavedova - how much does Cle want to over the cap to retain someone like this? He's a proven defender, was lights out from 3 and can also play both guard spots
  • Dion Waiters - we all know his flaws but the guy still isn't 24, provides some shooting and has familiarity with Brooks.
  • Dewayne Dedmon - seems like a good rim protector and backup big man to provide limited mins at the 5
  • Jon Leuer - outside shot falling consistently and still young. Showing growth through the years
  • Meyers Leonard - stretch 4 who can play some 5, length and shooting are plusses

Who are your favorites? Who can be the 2016-2017 Wizards version of Biyombo and Joseph who can take this team to the next level?

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.