Washington Wizards 2011 NBA Draft Radar: Top 5 Prospects

After the Washington Wizards selected John Wall with the No. 1 overall pick in last June’s draft, excitement flooded the streets of Chinatown. Blue No. 2 jerseys were selling like hotcakes, billboards went up all over town, and suddenly, the Wizards were playoff contenders. It was the smart ones that knew that this season was a rebuilding year for new owner Ted Leonsis’ franchise.

So, here we are. Gilbert Arenas has been shipped to Orlando, Rashard Lewis has joined the squad, the draft is 186 days away and the focus of this Wizards team should be the upcoming offseason.

As a helping hand, and obsessed fan, I’ll do my best to assemble a draft radar for general manager Ernie Grunfeld and the boys. While the organization’s moves have been somewhat sporadic in recent years, this offseason should be a bit different with Leonsis at the helm.

1.) Terrence Jones (Kentucky, Fr.)

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LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 11: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats is pictured during the 81-62 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on December 11, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

My personal favorite potential target for the Wizards come June; I think Jones is a serious talent. Over the course of his high school career, Jones went from a 6’3″ point guard as a freshman to a 6’8″ forward come senior year. Fortunately, Jones retained his guard skills and is very comfortable coming off the dribble and penetrating the lane.

Also thanks to his experience as a guard, Jones is a very good passer for his size and position. For a team that needs a versatile swingman with the ability to score, the left-handed Jones provides a perfect mold.

The recent acquisition of Rashard Lewis may have the front office thinking that they have their winger, but Lewis is short-term and will probably be dealt. As for Josh Howard, his return from injury will be over before it begins.

2.) Perry Jones III (Baylor, Fr.)

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HOUSTON - MARCH 28: Miles Plumlee #21 of the Duke Dlue Devils leaps for a rebound in front of Quincy Acy #4 of the Baylor Bears during the south regional final of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 28, 2010 in Houston, T

Jones III has the size and ability to play either the three or four but would likely fit better as a wingman due to his athleticism. His wingspan is one of his most impressive traits, as he provides the length that most team’s look for these days for every position.

Jones III is projected, at this point, to be selected No. 1 overall. At the pro level, he’ll have to work on his basketball IQ and learn the speed of the game.

3.) Harrison Barnes (North Carolina, Fr.)

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GREENSBORO, NC - DECEMBER 18: Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots against Matt Hill #21 of the Texas Longhorns at Greensboro Coliseum on December 18, 2010 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The first freshman to be named a First Team Pre-Season All American, Barnes demonstrates great maturity both with his play and on a physical level.

Barnes is a scorer and may even be considered a hi-flyer at the next level. With so much hype placed on the young man prior to him ever taking the floor in college, Barnes has handled it well. Because of his maturity, Barnes may be the safest top-five pick in the draft.

4.) Jared Sullinger (Ohio State, Fr.)

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes yells after a dunk against the Florida Gators November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

An absolute monster that is continuously putting up numbers well enough to earn him Player of the Year, Sully provides a very interesting project.

On a physical level, Sullinger’s size and strength is more than ready for the next level. One could argue that he’s a bit undersized at the generally-listed 6’9″, but he has a great motor and rebounding skill that makes up for the lack of a couple inches.

Some analysts have criticized Sullinger’s athleticism so far, which is completely erroneous at this point. For his position, Sully is an old school post player whose game doesn’t need to be about dribbling off the wing or presenting the ability to shoot from long range.

For the Wizards, drafting Sullinger would rely on what the team’s plans are for JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche. If they are satisfied with both of them as the future frontcourt of the team, then they likely lean towards a wing player instead of the big body Sullinger.

5.) Enes Kanter (Kentucky, Fr.)

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NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 31: JaVale McGee #34 of the Washington Wizards grabs a rebound over Darius Songaila #9 of the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena on March 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Like Sullinger, the Wizards would look to Kanter only if they weren’t satisfied with the potential of JaVale McGee and the overall output of the frontcourt.

Also, Kanter was suspended by the NCAA this season, and pro scouts will not be able to evaluate him on the collegiate level. Instead, scouts would rely on Kanter’s impressive play as a youth talent while living in his homeland Istanbul, Turkey. Kanter played just one season of high school ball and was mildly inconsistent.

The big man with a non-stop motor and tremendous rebounding skills would be a risk, but it could very well be worth it.