WIZARDS 101

 Three NBA hopefuls are getting their shot at playing professional basketball with the Washington Wizards, who are seeking to fill their final roster spot after training camp.

The Washington Post's Michael Lee has learned from inside sources that the Wizards have extended non-guaranteed training camp offers to Shavlik Randolph, Steven Gray, and Earl Barron. These players are hoping to distinguish themselves in the eyes of the Washington coaching staff for a chance at the big time.

Each one of these players is deserving in some way of a shot to be included on the roster, and that's why they have been invited to camp. Both Gray and Randolph were members of Washington's Las Vegas Summer League team in 2012 and Barron is a veteran NBA big man with a championship ring.

 Gray, a former standout at Gonzaga, spent his first year out of college playing for BK Ventspils in Latvia last year. He is a six foot four guard with an impressive ability to score from range.

The former Bulldog is reliable on the perimeter and makes good decisions, frequently showcasing his passing talent during Summer League play. He would work well coming off the bench as a bit player within a set offense.

The knock on Gray is his lack of athleticism and tendency to make defensive miscues. He can certainly score, but rarely will he attack the basket. A limited offensive skill set will cause athletic NBA guards to take advantage of him.

Randolph was the Wizards' Summer League player with the most experience, having been involved with the league for five years. Highly touted as a recruit of Duke University, injuries plagued Randolph's college career and resulted in his name not being called during the 2005 NBA Draft.

In Las Vegas this summer, Randolph led the team in rebounds with almost eight per game in their five-game schedule. He distinguished himself in the final two games at the Cox Pavilion, scoring 27 points and grabbing 25 rebounds during that short stretch.

His weakness is his durability and his inability to stand up against bigger NBA forwards and centers. Though Randolph works hard, he'd likely get abused by the majority of NBA post players.

Barron has been in the league the longest out of all three. Though he rarely played, Barron became an NBA champion with the Miami Heat in 2006. Since then he's kicked around the league on 10-day contracts.

A seven footer, Barron would provide the Wizards with another big body at the bottom of the bench, backing up guys like Emeka Okafor and Kevin Seraphin.

Who do you think deserves the final spot on the Wizards' roster? Sound off in the comments section or vote in Wizards 101's new poll on the left sidebar.

Tags: Basketball, Duke University, Earl Barron, Emeka Okafor, Gonzaga, Kevin Seraphin, NBA, Shavlik Randolph, Steven Gray, Washington, Washington Wizards

Related Videos

Returning Soon!!!!

No related posts.