As the end of Washington Wizards summer league action nears, a number of players will learn their fate. Either the Wizards will bring them to training camp to battle for a final roster spot, send them to develop more in the D-League or they will have to go across the water to play basketball for a living. It's the reality of the professional basketball business. With that being said, after watching summer league mini camp practices, scrimmages and now games, here is my take on who should be strongly considered for final roster consideration.
Kelly Oubre - Ok he was going to be there anyway, however, this summer league was nearly as important for young Oubre as his teammates trying to solidify a roster spot. The Wizards are in a state of transition with a new coaching staff bringing a different philosophy and system to build around John Wall and Brad Beal. For the Wizards to have any impact next season, it will take more than Wall and Beal obviously and second year wing Kelly Oubre is being looked at to be one player who should elevate his game this upcoming season. Even after averaging 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in his rookie campaign, you saw flashes of a dynamic supremely athletic player who could impact both ends effectively, which is a rare thing. Oubre said during camp that his favorite player growing up was Scottie Pippen and you can definitely see Pippen'esque traits in Oubre. Oubre was put into a go-to leadership role this summer and he has responded well. Displaying a maturity beyond his years, Oubre is currently averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 steals in just 28 minutes of summer league play. If he can make a significant enough leap, the Wizards could be the surprise of the eastern conference next season.
Jarell Eddie - The undrafted 6'7 guard out of Virginia Tech has quickly built a rep as a knock down shooter, and in this era where spacing is so key to offensive schemes, Eddie is indeed a commodity. In Sunday's loss to the Hawks, Eddie was locked in from everywhere, scoring 19 points on 6/12 shooting from the field and 3/6 from 3-point range. For the summer Eddie is averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds a game on 45% shooting from the field. Adding another reliable shooter for Wall to find may be too good to pass up.
Micheal Eric - Eric has been the surprise of summer league for the Wizards, which is a great thing seeing as he's a front court talent for a team in need of front court depth. At 6'11 240 pounds, Eric caught mine and many other's attention during min camp with his bruising style and polish around the basket. He stood out among the big's at camp and it has obviously carried on into the games in Vegas where he is averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 22 minutes of action. Against the Hawks, Eric shined, finishing with 20 points (8/10 FG) and 8 rebounds. With Nene's departure, the Wizards will need some physicality up front outside Gortat and Morris. Eric could be a nice fit in that role.
Danuel House - Even with a spot on the roster being a long shot due to the number of perimeter players (Wall, Beal, Oubre, Burke, Porter etc) already signed, House has done enough for strong consideration. Known in college at Texas A&M as a scorer, House has shown in summer league play that he can also get his at this level. Currently averaging 10 points on 50% shooting from 3-point range, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals, House is impacting both ends, and a strong showing this afternoon in the Wizards summer league finale against the Brooklyn Nets, could cement a spot this fall when training camp opens.