The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild. They have a few veterans at the top of their list, but Most will be on the exchange market before the Feb. 6 deadline. Washington hopes to help the second overall pick Alex Sarr becomes a star as they build a sustainable contender through the draft. It will be a slow process, but the Wizards are up for the challenge.
Rebuilding doesn’t mean eliminating all of the veterans from a team. Having the experience and skills to help young talent develop. Getting a big man who can set screens can help a young guard score and create plays downfield. Finding a shooter to space the floor can help multiple players find their footing on offense. Redevelopment is about helping young talent flourish, and veterans help with that process.
The Wizards were active this summer, netting the biggest non-minimum deal in free agency. They landed a starting center who will help Sarr, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George improve their games.
Valanciunas has been a starting center for most of his 12-year NBA career. The 6-foot-2 big man is known for his scoring and rebounding. JV will give Washington’s young talent a consistent finisher and someone capable of grabbing double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis. Those extra baskets and possessions should help their young talent, and it came with a fantastic contract.
Valanciunas signed a three-year deal worth $30.3 million. He’s set to make less than 7 percent of the salary cap each year, which is an insane bargain for a 32-year-old starter.
JV was considered by many to be the third-best center available in free agency. Nicolas Claxton and Isaiah Hartenstein both made over $25 million per year. Valanciunas makes less than half that. His defense may be problematic, but the Wizards got a powerful offensive weapon at a bargain price.
JV suffered from the fact that many teams had already figured out their center position. The market was limited, but this was a huge win for the rebuilding Wizards. Valanciunas will have a huge impact on their young roster and gives Alex Sarr a veteran role model. JV’s passing has improved in recent years, and he could help round out the rookie’s offensive game.
This was a fantastic deal in every way. Valanciunas can be a mentor and leader for the franchise. If they decide to move on and give younger players more playing time, JV should have plenty of trade value on a bargain deal. Any team looking for a big-name player will call before the deadline, and this seems like a powerful position for Washington.
The Washington Wizards management is building something special. It’s still early days, but it’s already showing wisdom and innovation. The franchise will continue to add talent and find ways to improve until it’s back in contention. It’ll be a multi-year process, but brighter days are certainly ahead in the nation’s capital.
