It was mid-July and the Washington Wizards were coming off a successful playoff run. After defeating the Chicago Bulls in the first round, eventually going on to lose in the semi-finals to the number one seeded Indiana Pacers, the Wizards had finally accomplished something meaningful.

The future was still uncertain, though. With Marcin Gortat, Trevor Ariza, and Trevor Booker–who all played a major part in the Wizards’ success–entering unrestricted free agency, the Wizards had to find a way to keep their core intact.

Gortat appeared to be the team’s number one priority in the summer, and it didn’t take long for the Polish big man to ink a 5-year deal with the team. Still, team president Ernie Grunfeld and coach Randy Wittman knew they had to find a way to retain the other pieces to remain successful.

Trevor Ariza decided to join the Houston Rockets, declining virtually the same offer from Washington in order to avoid state income taxes. A few days passed and reports indicated that Trevor Booker would sign with the Utah Jazz after the Wizards declined to give him a qualifying offer worth nearly $5 million.

The Washington Wizards went on to surprise everyone, signing future Hall-of-Famer Paul Pierce, effectively replacing Ariza from the starting lineup. But, the hole left by Booker’s departure remained. The once fan-favorite in D.C. was gone, and the Wizards had to find a way to replace his production.

It was later announced that the Washington Wizards had agreed to two separate deals, acquiring both DeJuan Blair and Kris Humphries by using multiple trade exceptions.

Fast-forward a few months, and Humphries has played a crucial role for the Wizards, and Grunfeld seems to have found a perfect replacement for Booker.

Coming into the season, the Wizards knew that the oft-injured Nene would inevitably miss some time. They had to find someone who was capable of contributing along side the starters and while also coming off the bench. Prior to joining the Wizards, Kris Humphries had averaged a double-double for two consecutive seasons before getting relegated back to the bench in 2013.

As a veteran with 10 years of NBA experience, Humphries doesn’t seem to mind playing off the bench, and calls it a privilege to share the court with the likes of Andre Miller and Rasual Butler. Coach Wittman acknowledged Humphries’ professionalism after the Washington Wizards dismantled the Boston Celtics at home last night:

“He has been a guy that has been in the starting lineup, been on the bench. He just likes to play, and that has been great for us obviously. We’ve had him in both areas, starting and now back on the bench. He gives that unit a good spring to it. I thought he was really big tonight.”

While Kris Humphries may be known more for his life off the court, he’s been a solid contributor in the league for over a decade. He’s averaged slightly over 8 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Wizards this season, and Washington seems to have gotten a bargain by signing him for slightly over $4 million per season.

His ability to rebound, defend, and knock down the 15-foot jump shot has made him a great fit along side the starters and the reserves. Like Booker, the fans and his teammates genuinely enjoy watching him play. It’s been a long time since the Wizards had players come to work every day and accept their role, but with additions like Kris Humphries, it’s become the norm.

Kris Humphries’ put-back dunk against his former team–the Boston Celtics:

It might have taken Kris Humphries some time to adjust to his new team after suffering a hand laceration in his first preseason game against the Chicago Bulls, but he’s become a major contributor in the nation’s capital.

He might not be the cereal lover that Trevor Booker is, but Kris Humphries has been the perfect replacement. Sorry, Clinton, Hump is no longer a secret weapon.