The NBA draft is Thursday night and the Washington Wizards are on the clock, but they should not be on it long because the answer is in their own backyard – Roy Denzil Hibbert.

The Wizards are lacking a physical present in the paint.  The Wizards do not know if C Etan Thomas has fully recovered from last summer’s heart surgery and are unsure about which F/C Andray Blatche will show up night in and night out.  It is unfortunate when your best rebounder is a small forward, 6-9 (F Antawn Jamison, 10.2 per game), so selecting Hibbert only makes sense.  The Wizards do not need guards or forwards.  The Wizards could use a good all around player like a Chris Douglas-Roberts from the University of Memphis, who can handle the ball, score the basket – from anywhere on the floor – and rebound, but it is not a necessity because they have playmakers.

        
         Hibbert was a four-player from Georgetown University who improved each year in all areas of his game, points, rebounds, free throws, and assists.  Hibbert is also an excellent passer.  With the improvements Hibbert made means his is teachable.  The best thing about his game that can not be taught is his height.  Hibbert is a pure center, stands 7-2, weighing in at 265 lbs, (sounds like a boxing announcement).  Hibbert is not going to take people out of the paint and shoot jumpers.  Hibbert is just an old-fashioned banger.

         
        The downside to Hibbert is his lack of athleticism and speed.  At times, it looked as if Hibbert was not interested, then he would hit a three-pointer – referring to a game-winning shot he made to beat UConn last season.  Hibbert would have speed around him and besides, he is really not that slow.  Hibbert’s size will help make up for his lack of athleticism because players would have to alter their shots to get around him.  Hibbert’s present alone would make teams think twice before challenging the Wizards inside.

           
      Hibbert is a decent offensive player with a soft touch.  The advantage Hibbert has is the familiarity of the Verizon Center because Georgetown plays their home games there.  With the Wizards having scorers, they do not need another player crying for the ball.  Hibbert does’t need to score to satisfy his ego.  Hibbert would clog the middle, grab rebounds and get the ball out to the playmakers.  Hibbert would be a great asset to C Brendan Haywood, who has already established a relationship with him.  Hibbert and Haywood talk often and, at times, workout together.  Imagine Hibbert, Blatche and Haywood or Hibbert, Blatche and F Dominic McGuire on the front together, with a healthy Etan Thomas.

           
      There is no need to state Hibbert’s stats, just his abilities.  Hibbert can not bring his collegiate numbers to the NBA because it is a whole new ball game, but the ability he showed playing in a power conference – Big East – and performance speaks volumes.  Hibbert would be a perfect fit for the Wizards and will help them go deep into the playoffs, especially if the team stays healthy.  Hopefully, the Wizards would think so.

Written By Barry Barnes