The Wizards didn’t have a single pick the 2017 NBA draft, but they were still busy. First let’s recap what happened to the Wizards picks
1st round (22nd pick)- Part of a trade for Bojan Bogdanovic at the 2017 in-season trade deadline. Wizards received: Bojan Bogdanovic and Chris Mccullough. Nets received: Wizards lottery protected first rounder, Marcus Thornton, and Andrew Nicoloson (more importantly, his contract).
Despite having no pick, the Wizards still obtained some very interesting rookies.
Kris Jenkins (Villanova, Senior)- You may recognize Kris Jenkins from “the shot” against North Carolina in the 2016 National Championship. Jenkins is a 6’6” small forward who is, as you may have guessed, primarily a shooter. Jenkins may develop into a 3 and D wing for the Wizards. He is likely a G-Leaguer in his first season.
Marcus Keene (Central Michigan, Junior)- My personal favorite of the bunch, Marcus Keene is an absolutely electric scorer. He reminds me of Isiah Thomas (the current Celtics version) in a lot of ways. They were both dynamic scoring machines in college who were overlooked in the draft because of their size (Keene is 5’9”) and defensive ability. It’s impossible to say that Keene doesn’t have potential on the offensive side of the ball though, he led all NCAA basketball players with a jaw-dropping 30 points per game. I think he will make the Wizards roster.
Devin Robinson (Florida, Junior)- Like Keene, Devin Robinson is another player I can’t believe went undrafted. All you need to do is look at Devin Robinson to know he has a high ceiling. Robinson is a great athlete who can play himself some basketball. He mostly played power forward in college, but due to his size (6’8”) and weight (only 200 pounds) he will probably have to move to the 3. Robinson averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds per game, while hitting 39% from three. He is most likely ticketed for the G-League in his rookie year.
Michael Young (Pittsburgh, Senior)- Young was a four-year starter for the Panthers, and has one of the more compelling stories in this rookie class. Young is from the Duquesne area of Pittsburgh, one of the worst areas of any city in the country. When asked about his past by Bleacher Report Young just says, “Everything a little kid shouldn’t get into or shouldn’t see, I basically have seen.” Young didn’t start playing organized basketball till he was in 8th grade, but grew into a top 100 4-star recruit. When it came to decision time for him he decided to have a positive impact on his community and stay close to home at Pitt. From a basketball perspective Young is a proficient scorer and rebounder, averaging 21 points and 7 rebounds per game in his senior season. The 6’9” power forward can also shoot with 40% from 3.
Kevin Pangos (Gonzaga, Senior, graduated in 2015)- The point guard played for the Lithuanian team Žalgiris Kaunas last year. Interestingly the Head Coach of Zalgiris is Terp star Sarunas Jasikevivius.
Maalik Wayns (Villanova, Junior, left in 2012)- Maalik has been bouncing around a while, has played for the Sixers and the Clippers, has in Israel with Maccabi Rishon LeZion most recently.
