Wizards vs. Bulls preview: Washington looks to take down undefeated Bulls in Summer League

Just over a year ago, the Wizards made a choice in the 2015 Draft that fans are still debating today. Washington chose to send two future second-round picks to Atlanta to move up four spots in the draft and select Kelly Oubre, even though Bobby Portis, a player who many thought fit an immediate and long-term need, would have been available had they simply stayed put.

Saturday night, we’ll get another referendum on the Oubre-Portis debate as the Bulls take on the Wizards in the quarterfinals of the Las Vegas Summer League Tournament.

The Bulls come into the matchup undefeated, thanks in large part to Portis. He is averaging a team-high 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the field for Chicago.

On the other side of the court, Kelly Oubre has done a solid job as he makes for why he’s worth everything the Wizards invested in him. He’s averaging 19.8 points per game for Washington, the tenth-best average in Las Vegas, while also chipping in 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game to help Washington to a 3-1 record so far.

Saturday’s game won’t settle the debate on whether or not the Wizards made the right decision in June 2015, but a win would certainly help Washington feel better about things moving forward.

Game Info

When: 8:00 p.m. EST

Where: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

TV: The game is available on ESPN2 and can be streamed with WatchESPN.

Other notable players on the Bulls’ roster

• Denzel Valentine - The Bulls’ rookie has struggled to find his shot so far, shooting only 34.5 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from deep. He’s also committing 3.3 fouls per game which is a sign he’s not quite where he wants to be on the defensive end either. But he’s been solid on the glass and passing the ball. If he can get his shot to fall, it will make Chicago even more formidable on Saturday.
• Jerian Grant - Portis-Oubre was the main debate to emerge from the 2015 Draft, but there were certainly those who felt Grant (who was actually drafted by the Wizards but sent to New York as part of the Oubre deal) deserved consideration as well. He went through his share or struggles in his rookie season, but is looking to do more now that he’s in Chicago. So far, he’s struggled with a lot of the same issues he faced in New York. His outside shot isn’t falling (6-22 from deep in Las Vegas) and his playmaking hasn’t developed enough to where he can overcome that yet.
• Dez Wells - The former Maryland product hasn’t been asked to do a lot on the offensive end with all the talent they have on their roster. He’s started all four games, but he’s only taken 15 shots through 75 minutes of playing time. Expect him to spend a lot of time trying to lock down Kelly Oubre.
• Cristiano Felicio - The Brazilian big man has been an outstanding complement to Portis in the frontcourt, helping the Bulls control the glass and capitalize on scoring chances around the rim. He’s 19-23 from the field so far in Las Vegas. That said, the Wizards shouldn’t be afraid to take it to the hole against him. He hasn’t recorded a single block in Summer League action through four games.