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How should the Wizards figure out their center rotation next season?

Though Ian Mahinmi’s contract is off the books next season, Thomas Bryant. Moritz Wagner and Anzejs Pasecniks will still be competing for minutes barring a new draftee or free agent.

By Albert Lee
Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors
Thomas Bryant was the Wizards’ starting center at the beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season, but it’s unclear whether he is a longer-term fit.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

For the time being, it appears that the Wizards’ starting guard rotation is set. John Wall and Bradley Beal are the foundation of the team until otherwise.

At the center position however, things are unclear.

Thomas Bryant started the 2019-20 NBA season as the starter, but suffered a foot injury which ultimately got Ian Mahinmi the nod for most of the season. And most recently, Moritz Wagner had a shot to start there. Even Anzejs Pasecniks could get a chance to start before the regular season ends, especially if and when Washington is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Next season, the Wizards will probably let Mahinmi walk in free agency now that his four-year, $64 million contract is off the books. But Bryant, Wagner and Pasecniks are still under contract for at least one more year on reasonable deals.

Bryant in particular, earned the ire of Scott Brooks after the Wizards’ loss to the Sacramento Kings last Tuesday, according to Candace Buckner of The Washington Post. Bryant hasn’t been an effective defensive center even when healthy. That is partly why Mahinmi continued to start even after Bryant retuned from injury. Perhaps he could be a tradable piece in free agency.

That said, so are Wagner and Pasceniks since they are also on “cheap” contracts.

If there is a particular need the Wizards may be looking to fill at the NBA Draft, it’s likely at the center position as well. Among current prospects, former Memphis center James Wiseman could be a fit, provided that Washington misses the playoffs and wins a Top-3 pick.

Which center or centers would you like to see return to the Wizards next season? And would you like to see someone drafted to fill that role? Or should they wait until this summer’s free agency period to make a move? Let us know in the comments below.