Washington Wizards 2017-2018 Player Profile: Jason Smith
Jason Smith was signed by the Washington Wizards in 2016 to a 3 year deal worth $16 million dollars. Statistically last season appears to have been one of his worst. I barely remember him playing so lack of use is also likely a factor. He is on the last year of a 3 year contract and is a good pick up for someone looking for a cheap back up, or an expiring contract to retain cap space so they can splurge next year in free agency. I don’t think the Wizards can afford to keep him and I think he would be a good addition to another team. As he is in the last year of his contract, if traded, he would likely play his behind off in order to prevent being bumped out of the league. A trade might be best for all parties.
2017-2018 Season
MPG: 8.6
FG%: .391
FT%: .905
RPG: 1.6
APG: .4
BPG: .4
Overall Smith is not a bad player. The reality is that he saw little to no playing time behind Gortat and Mahinmi. For his own sake, and because the Wizards now have 4 centres, I would suggest the Washington Wizards trade Smith for bench role players or cash considerations to free up funds. The Wizards’ weakness this coming year, barring injury, will be the bench. At the 5 position the Wizards currently have Howard, Mahinmi, and Thomas Bryant who is high energy and a low salary; he has great potential and should get the playing time behind Mahinmi or in lieu of him. The Wizards are better to use Bryant as their 3rd centre and offload Smith. Even if the Wizards are able to trade Mahinmi before the start of the season, they can use Bryant behind Howard. The Wizards alternate lineup could be Markieff Morris and Oubre Jr. which allows them versatility in their style of play.
