Wizards Have Options, With 5 Pick

With the fifth pick in the 2009 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards feel like they can get a very good player that can help them long term. Whether, it's Arizona State's shooting guard James Harden or Arizona's 6’10” power forward Jordan Hill, the point is that there are some good prospects to choose from.

However, general manager Ernie Grunfeld talked about using the pick in a trade type situation, if the right trade presents itself. A couple of years ago, Grunfeld traded the team’s fifth pick in exchange for Antwan Jamison.

That turned out to be great for Washington, as they went to the post-season four years in a row, and now Jamison is a two-time All-Star.

With adding a reputable coach in Flip Saunders, and the return of Gilbert Arenas, Washington looks like they are headed in the right direction.

But, Washington lacks a good power forward who can bang in the low-post. Furthermore, they always have match-up problems every time they go against a great power forward. Jamison gets annihilated every time he goes up against Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Garnett.

New York Knicks forward David Lee would be a great addition for Washington to acquire. He is a double-double guy who can come in and play good defense, while helping Washington get to that next step.

Although, Lee is a free agent the Knicks could do a sign and trade situation with Washington. This way the Wizards could acquire Lee, while the Knicks receive back the fifth pick, and the expiring contracts of Mike James and Etan Thomas.

By shipping off Thomas and James the Wizards would save about $13 million dollars in cap room. In return, the Knicks would surpass Minnesota and Golden State with a better chance of selecting Steph Curry with the number five pick.

In order for Washington to have a chance at the playoffs next season Grunfeld needs to make all the right moves. Or else, Washington will have to be a spectator come playoff time for the second year in a row.