INGLEWOOD, CA – APRIL 08: San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) dunks during the San Antonio … More
After getting traded to the Washington Wizards via way of the San Antonio Spurs, Blake Wesley has been waived, and is now a free agent.
The 6’5 combo guard has three years of NBA experience, but is only 22 years old which means teams should be giving him a look.
Athletic firecracker
While Wesley never carved out a real role in San Antonio, there’s no questioning his athletic ability, or aggressive playing style.
The Notre Dame product is relentless in attacking the rim, and putting pressure on defenders who are back-peddling to get in position.
One would think the Wizards, who are rebuilding, could use a player like him, but given how they’re committed to the development of Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, clearly the organization felt as though they couldn’t juggle more projects.
Because at the end of the day, Wesley is a project, three years of experience or not. He’s yet to string together long stretches of consistent production, even despite his aforementioned athletic prowess.
Finding a new home
Given the 22-year-old’s pressing need for development minutes, he and his representation should clearly seek opportunities with teams that are both young, and somewhat low on guards.
The Charlotte Hornets would make some sense, especially as LaMelo Ball is often injured, and recently-acquired Collin Sexton is more of a scorer.
The Phoenix Suns, while not a team that’s rebuilding, is short on point guards – and plenty heavy on off-guards – which could be another interesting situation, assuming Wesley can even crack the rotation on a team that’s clearly trying to be competitive.
Finally, there are the Brooklyn Nets. The organization is currently relying on two international rookie point guards, so to have Wesley around in their back pocket wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Wesley does offer 156 games of experience, and on the Nets he should be able to get minutes. The team is clearly rebuilding, meaning a 22-year-old should be right within their wheelhouse.
Regardless of the destination, Wesley is too intriguing to not get one more crack at the big stage.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.