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On Saturday, the Wizards worked out Jordan Bone, a junior point guard for the Tennessee Volunteers at the MedStar Wizards Performance Center in Congress Heights, D.C.
In the 2018-19 season, Bone led the Volunteers to a Sweet 16 appearance. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.8 assists in the 2018-19 season. Coincidentally, Tennessee is also where former President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld went to college.
What’s notable about Bone is that he is the Wizards’ first individual workout. Players who get individual workouts with NBA teams are usually high on a team’s radar or wishlist. After several days of group workouts with prospects who were Summer League targets, Bone’s selection for an individual workout is a bit surprising.
Bone is ranked the 43rd best NBA Draft prospect in Sports Illustrated’s rankings, so he figures to be a second round pick. He has moved up the prospects’ rankings so he could be a sleeper pick for someone. But if the Wizards pick Bone ninth, that may be a reach. So I don’t think the Wizards are considering drafting him ninth overall, though they may make a trade to get him at a later position.
So for the sake of discussion, let’s assume the Wizards DO get Bone, regardless of what position he’s drafted at.
If Bone comes to Washington, it’s to provide some insurance at the point guard position. Washington will probably do what they can to keep Tomas Satoransky who enters restricted free agency. If Satoransky re-signs, Bone would presumably be his backup if no other point guard moves are made.
But if Satoransky signs with another team, the Wizards could look very thin at point guard. Perhaps Bone steps up and can be a good starter for the 2019-20 season. Then perhaps he could be a good reserve point guard if John Wall comes back and still plays at a high level. But it does appear that the Wizards are keen on beefing up the point guard position before free agency, just in case Satoransky leaves.