Washington had six more prospects in the building for workouts, including Tennessee’s Jaden Springer. The 6-foot-4 guard is the No. 27 overall prospect in the NBA Draft, according to ESPN’s Big Board.
During the post-workout interview with FortyEightMinutes and other media, Springer said he feels he can help the Wizards by being a “tough physical guard” who can “lock-up” opponents on defense. The 18-year-old also added that he could work behind the Wizards’ pair of All-Stars.
“They got two great guards in Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook that I can learn from and take my career to the next level,” said Springer while adding that he feels he would be more of a secondary ball-handler upon coming into the league.
Springer, who shot 43.5% from three-point range during his lone season at Tennessee, says he watches multiple NBA players and attempts to emulate parts of their game, including Beal, Westbrook, Ja Morant, and Chris Paul.
The North Carolina-native has had workouts with the Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, Pacers, Pelicans, and Hornets in addition to the Wizards.
Five other prospects worked out for Washington on Thursday. Zane Martin (Towson), Asbjorn Midtgaard (Grand Canyon), Eugene Omoruyi (Oregon), Micah Potter (Wisconsin), and Guilherme Santos (Minas-Brazil) all participated in drills with the team.
More From Washington
- Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. has emerged as the favorite for the Wizards head coaching gig, Shams Charania and Fred Katz of The Athletic report (Twitter link). Unseld Jr is the son of the late Wes Unseld, who is a legend with the franchise. The elder Unseld won a championship as a player, before going on to serve the organization in separate stints as coach and general manager. Unseld Jr. was an assistant with the Wizards from 2005-11 and has assistant coaching experience with the Magic in addition to the Nuggets and Wiz.
- If Bradley Beal turns down an extension with the Wizards this summer, the franchise shouldn’t take it as a sign he wants out, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks writes. Beal will be eligible for a five-year deal after the 2021-22 season, one that could pay him roughly $54 million more than he would get in an extension this summer. Still, allowing Beal to hear pitches in free agency comes with risk.
More From Washington
- Three Ideal Prospects for Wizards to Target at No. 15
- Former Wizards Coach Scott Brooks Finds New Home in Portland
- Wizards Draft: Examining Chris Duarte’s Fit at No. 15
