Washington Wizards: Should They Give Up on JaVale McGee?

As the 2011 NBA Draft approaches, it is time again for teams to consider trading their players for draft picks.

This year, the Minnesota Timberwolves' second overall pick is being shopped actively, and several names have been linked to a potential trade for the pick that can land a team Derrick Williams, Kyrie Irving or Enes Kanter. Players that have been linked to this deal include: Monta Ellis, Pau Gasol, Danny Granger and... 

JaVale McGee?

Now, the first three names are all worthy of making the All-Star team, and both Gasol and Granger have already made it onto their respective conference team in the past. McGee, however, is not even near All-Star consideration, at least not with his current 10.1 PPG and 8.0 RPG average.

While he did average 2.4 BPG last season, it can be argued that the number should be higher, considering McGee's athleticism, combined with the zone defense Wizards coach Flip Saunders implemented.

However, McGee is still a decent prospect.

While it is true that the Wizards should breakup its frontcourt duo of McGee and Blatche in order to move to the next level, it is more likely that, with the emergence of Trevor Booker, Blatche would be traded.

Indeed, McGee, once his awareness on the court and consistency is raised, could be a dominant center in the long run and could be better than either Irving, Williams or Kanter. He has done some eye-popping things and some things that have raised eyebrows, but as long as the good outweighs the bad, he will always deserve a spot on any NBA team.

However, time is ticking on this athletic seven-footer from Nevada and it will not be surprising if he is in a different uniform next season. If he never reaches his full potential, he may find himself in the same situation as former Wizard Kwame Brown.

And it's not a pleasant place to be.