Wiz of Awes Exclusive: Bradley Beal Interview On The NBA Playoffs, Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre and More

Wiz of Awes Exclusive: Bradley Beal Interview On The NBA Playoffs, Otto Porter, Kelly Oubre and More by Osman Baig

The Washington Wizards seem to be fond of the Indiana Pacers’ free agents.

Yesterday it was reported that Washington could be looking to sign Pacers free agent guard Rodney Stuckey after losing Paul Pierce to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Today it was reported that Washington is interested in potentially signing Chris Copeland and C.J. Watson, both of whom are also free agents from the Pacers:

Source: Wizards potential spot for Chris Copeland, who's set for a full return next season. With Wiz losing Pierce, Cope adds bench scoring. — Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 2, 2015

The #Wizards have expressed interest in CJ Watson, according to source. — Jorge Castillo (@jorgeccastillo) July 2, 2015

Ernie Grunfeld wants to build a more versatile roster after experiencing some success in the NBA Playoffs while playing a modern brand of basketball. With Pierce at the four spot, Washington’s offense thrived. Since he opted to leave, though, Randy Wittman wants the team to find a stretch four.

Chris Copeland could potentially fill that stretch four role.

The 6’8″ forward was linked to the Wizards a couple of seasons ago after having a career year with the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, Chris Copeland’s rookie season has been his best season thus far. He was seldom used at Indiana and played just under 17 minutes per game this past season.

At 31-years-old, Chris Copeland is what he is.

Washington can’t expect him to reinvent his game.

He’s not a great defender nor is he a willing passer.

Copeland is a career 37 percent shooter from three point territory, so he could give Washington’s guards some spacing. If they could sign him for the bi-annual exception, then I’d be OK with bringing him on board.

On the other hand, C.J. Watson is also someone the Wizards attempted to sign a few years ago. The veteran point guard received an offer worth the bi-annual exception, but it was accepted by Eric Maynor instead. We all know how that ended.

Watson averaged 10 points per game for the Pacers last year and had an above average player efficiency rating. He also shot the ball pretty well from deep — 40 percent from three.

Although Watson seems like a good fit on paper, I’m not sure he’s what the Wizards need. He’s reportedly looking for the mid-level exception, and I don’t think he’s worth that at this point in his career. He’s also 31-years-old and he’s not capable of playing both guard spots.

Washington has been quiet in free agency thus far. Neither Chris Copeland nor C.J. Watson are big names, but they would give Washington some depth. I don’t expect neither player to be in the nation’s capital next season, though. The team will continue to express interest in players and 95% of them will never don the red-white-blue inform.