With the Washington Wizards opening the preseason this week and the regular season in under two weeks, it is important to take stock of where the roster stands at each position. Who is the starter, backup, and reserve players? What did they do last year and what should we expect this year.
Starter: Marcin Gortat
2016-17 Statistics: 10.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 57.9 percent shooting in 31.2 minutes per game over 82 games.
The Polish Machine is exactly what the Wizards offense needs as a player that does not demand the ball but works as an extremely complimentary piece by working hard without the ball. As the leader in the NBA in screen assists, Gortat has refined his game from a back to the basket scorer to an expert screen setter and roller on the pick and roll. John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr. will be the first to thank Gortat for the open shots he provides to them off head rattling screens and he will work to provide the same over the course of another 82 games this season.
Backup: Ian Mahinmi
2016-17 Statistics: 5.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 58.6 percent shooting in 17.9 minutes per game over 31 games.
Now ‘super healthy’, Mahinmi is ready to make up for lost time as a defensive presence as an expert rim protector and shot altering force. In his limited minutes last year, the bench unit that was incredibly woeful most of the time had an identity on defense with him as the anchor and that is something can translate to this year. Mahinmi is a strong rebounder and can gather some points on put backs, but he will not bring much else to the offense, which is alright in a guard and wing dominated game.
Reserve: Jason Smith
2016-17 Statistics: 5.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 52.9 percent shooting, 47.4 percent three-point shooting in 14.4 minutes per game over 74 games.
When Mahinmi missed most of last season, it was Jason Smith that filled the role of backup center behind Gortat, but if Mahinmi is able to stay healthy in his second season as a Wizards, most of Smith’s minutes will come at the power forward position. Being the ultimate professional that he is, Smith can flawlessly convert between the two big man positions and bring energy as well as shooting whenever Scott Brooks asks of him.
Deep Reserve: Daniel Ochefu
Similar to Mac and McCullough, Ochefu is one of Washington’s developmental players that will probably not see too much playing time barring injury or garbage time. Ochefu is certainly a hard work as seen in the effort he gives in practice as well as additional time on the court with assistant coaches before games. With Gortat and Mahinmi both getting up in age, the Wizards would hope that Ochefu can develop into at least a role player in the future.