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The 1992 NBA Draft was the last draft in which the Washington Wizards’ selectees – forward Tom Gugliotta (6th-overall) and guard Brent Price (32nd overall) – were solid contributors for the franchise. The new, old-look Wizards may have accomplished that feat again for the first time in selecting forwards Jan Vesely from the Czech Republic, Chris Singleton from Florida State and guard Shelvin Mack from Butler University in the 2011 NBA Draft on Thursday.
The Wizards were probably the ultimate victor in the draft. Although there is some concern with one of the picks, overall Washington has earned an A-.
“We are very pleased to add Jan, Chris and Shelvin to our roster as we take another step forward in our rebuilding process,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld with a grin in a press conference after Mack was drafted at the Verizon Center.
Jan Vesely stands at 6-11, 240 lbs. and has played professionally in Slovenia, Serbia and for the Czech Republic national team. For the past three seasons, he played in the Euroleague for Partizan Belgrade. The forward averaged 10.1 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per contest last season, while winning The FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Young Men’s Player of the Year Award in 2011.
The Czech has improved each year as a young pro and was regarded as the best European player in the 2011 NBA draft for his athletic ability, shooting skills and aggressiveness in transition.
Vesely comes from an athletic family where his father is a former basketball player and his mother is a former volleyball player. His girlfriend (who Vesely kissed down when his name was called in the draft) studies architecture and also plays basketball, along with Vesely’s younger sister.
However, his skill set is nothing new in terms of European players. The 21-year old forward is thin and light. The physicality of professional basketball should cause bit of concern for the Wizards with regard to their new lottery pick.
When I asked Vesely via conference call how long will it take him to adapt to the physical style of the NBA, he gave an honest answer.
“I don’t know,” said Vesely. “I don’t know. I know I have a long way to go and I won’t refuse to work hard and work hard to win the game.”
The concern the Wizards may have is that they selected a big man who does not want to exchange love taps against the other big men in the NBA on a nightly basis.
Other than having a better shot, Vesely’s game is similar to current Wizards’ center JaVale McGee’s and forward Andray Blatche’s. They all perform well in transition, running the floor. They are all athletic, but aren’t quite as physical as some in the NBA.
In a half court setting, can Vesely create for himself or does he need someone to set him up?
European players are difficult to evaluate due to the lack of tape on them. Highlight footages are deceitful because they do not tell the whole story or much about the competition. In some situations, European basketball could be compared to mid- or lower-level Division I ball due to the lack of visibility.
Nevertheless, choosing Singleton helped make the Wizards’ draft solid.
The Wizards lost many contests last season in the fourth quarter. They would have the lead late but collapse defensively, causing them to lose close games.
Singleton will be a huge step for the Wizards’ defensive turnaround.
The two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2010 and 2011) stands at 6-9, 230 lbs., giving him a wingspan of 7-1. He averaged 10.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in three seasons as a Seminole, including 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.5 blocks per game as a junior last season. Singleton left Florida State as the only Seminole in school history to rank among the top ten in career blocks and steals.
Singleton’s game is NBA ready – especially defensively – as he battles for every possession and will guard the opponents’ best offensive player. If the Wizards can create turnovers, led by Singleton, the team could get out in transition more, allowing them to do what they do best – score in transition.
Both Vesely and Singleton will definitely feed off each other.
“Jan and Chris are both versatile forwards who are very competitive and play with a lot of energy at all times, particularly on defense,” said Grunfeld.
Shelvin Mack maybe young at 21, but he has an “old man” game built on patience, great decision-making and a good jumpshot. The 6-3, 215 lb. guard will provide stability at the point guard position. Because of a lack of speed compared to guard John Wall, the Butler University product will not gamble as much.
Mack led Butler to back-to-back NCAA Championship game appearances only to fall twice, but was captain of the USA U19 team in 2009 when he brought home a gold medal.
“Shelvin is a proven winner who has excelled at the highest levels of collegiate competition and will help solidify our backcourt rotation,” Grunfeld explained.
In a draft that was not deep with astonishing talent, the Wizards managed to improve their roster and will be one of the youngest, most exciting teams in the NBA.
The team was able to build around their stars with athletes who can play that up-tempo style of ball that Wall and head coach Flip Saunders like to play. With some concern of getting a lottery pick to play physically, Washington had a solid draft with what was out there, earning an A-. Now, it’s about gaining experience and competing on both ends of the floor consistently, night-in and night-out.
“All three players complement our young core of talented players, and add a hunger and desire to compete on both ends of the floor,” said Grunfeld.
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