Like most of you, I didn’t want the Drew Gooden era with the Washington Wizards to end after a second round elimination against the Indiana Pacers. Well, I’ve got good news. Drew Gooden, along with his mid-range jumper and shoulder shrugs, will be back in the nation’s capital next season.

Missed this but Drew Gooden re-signed with the Washington Wizards – I believe a 1-year deal @BBallInsiders — Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 15, 2014

Drew Gooden was virtually out of the NBA after getting waived via the amnesty clause by the Milwaukee Bucks, but after Nene went down with injury, Gooden was quickly scooped up by the Washington Wizards.

I, along with every other Wizards fan, was immediately skeptical of the signing. Gooden missed the vast majority of the NBA season and it certainly didn’t hurt that he shared an agent with John Wall, Nene and Martell Webster. Basically, I thought it was a gift signing for his agent.

Well, I was wrong.

Drew Gooden stepped into the rotation and became the third big man for the Wizards at times. He led them to multiple victories, including this 21 point performance against the Brooklyn Nets.

Gooden averaged over 8 points and 5 rebounds on 53% shooting in 22 games for the Wizards, and really benefited from playing along side John Wall. When Gooden is on the floor, it allows Wall to create more pick-and-pop opportunities, and spaces the floor for driving lanes.

Drew Gooden was a perfect fit for the Wizards and it’s no surprise that he’s back. His deal will likely be for the veteran’s minimum, which is slightly over $1 million per season. The terms of the deal haven’t been announced yet.

Welcome back, Drew Gooden.