The Streaking Washington Wizards Are Putting February Behind Them by Matt Graber

Washington Wizards News: Marcin Gortat Fined For Flopping, Wizards Likely To Sign Toure’ Murry To Second 10-Day

Washington Wizards News: Marcin Gortat Fined For Flopping, Wizards Likely To Sign Toure’ Murry To Second 10-Day by Ben Mehic

Drew Gooden signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards on February 26, 2014.

Like many other Wizards fans, I immediately criticized the move. Drew Gooden was amnestied by the Milwaukee Bucks and hadn’t stepped on an NBA court in basically an entire season. Of course, it didn’t help that Gooden shared an agent with John Wall and several other players from Washington’s roster. To put it bluntly, I thought Ernie Grunfeld was doing Dan Fegan a favor.

That’s when Gooden-sanity happened.

Drew Gooden took advantage of his new role with Nene sidelined and helped lead the Wizards to their first playoff appearance in over half a decade. Given Gooden’s ability to knock down mid-range jump shots, he fit right into Randy Wittman‘s system. It didn’t take him long to adjust and play a major role late in the season.

The Washington Wizards had lacked a stretch four and got sudden contribution from Drew Gooden. Similar to Rasual Butler this year, Gooden came out of nowhere and made the most of his opportunity in D.C.

It wasn’t a surprise that Grunfeld decided to re-sign Gooden following his emergence. Unfortunately for Gooden, though, Grunfeld also re-signed Kevin Seraphin and traded for Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair. After sitting on the end of the bench for most of the season, Drew Gooden was recently flung back into the rotation after Humphries went down with a groin injury. Just like last year, Drew Gooden has made an impact before the Wizards begin their playoff run.

You almost have to wonder if maybe, just maybe, they were saving Drew Gooden for the stretch run. #conspiracytheories — Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) March 19, 2015

Over the past five games, Gooden has averaged 7 points and slightly over 5 rebounds per game. While those numbers certainly don’t jump off the screen, Gooden has done a good job of replacing what Humphries gave Washington: spacing and rebounding.

With Humphries out, the Washington Wizards had to find a way to replace his offensive production. Gooden has struggled defensively, but he’s also given Washington a lift with his spacing. He’s capable of playing along side the starters, and when that’s the case, he gives John Wall more space to penetrate and get to the basket.

Using NBA’s player tracking, I looked at one possession during last night’s game against the Utah Jazz. In the first quarter, Wall drove to the basket, forced the defense to collapse, and found Gooden wide open for three.

Wall drives, Derrick Favors comes off Drew Gooden to play help-defense

via NBA.com

Wall dishes the ball to Gooden, giving him enough time to launch the three point shot

via NBA.com

Even though he’s not the most efficient player, Drew Gooden’s ability to stretch the floor has helped Washington break out of their recent slump. Kris Humphries has become a solid mid-range jump shooter, but Gooden’s range extends out to the three point line.

Once he returns from injury, Kris Humphries will likely resume playing his primary backup role. Still, even in his absence, the Washington Wizards have found a way to increase their offensive production. They’ve missed Humphries’ defense, but Drew Gooden has made up for his shooting.

For someone who went from a 10-day contract to a guaranteed deal, Drew Gooden continues to make the most of his opportunities.