The Wizards need to look beyond John Wall, and maybe even Bradley Beal, on draft night. Tyrese Maxey has proven his mettle at Kentucky this season. He’s the Cats’ undisputed top prospect and one of college basketball’s most electric scorers. He’s not a bad defender either.
One issue for Washington this season has been defense. Maxey doesn’t solve any problems there, and he’s actually a shade undersized for his position as a natural two-guard. Still, Maxey has serious on-ball chops and should, at the very least, defend one or two positions at a high level. He’s a dog.
When it comes to offense, the Wizards don’t have much in terms of long-term firepower. Davis Bertans is a deadeye shooter, but he’s not a long-term staple. Outside Wall and Beal, who probably won’t stick together for four more seasons, it’s Rui Hachimura, Moritz Wagner, Troy Brown Jr., and a few other second-tier prospects. Maxey makes for a welcomed addition.