Roster - Washington Wizards

After missing the 2016 NLL draft, the Washington Wizards found themselves making a couple picks, along with multiple deals in this years draft. Lets get to the details. The Washington Wizards were going into the 2017 NLL Draft with the 34th, 39th, and 42nd picks. But they struck a deal with the Portland Trailblazers to send the 34th, 39th, and a 2018 2nd rounder to Portland, in return the Wizards got the 49th pick, and the Timberwolves 2018 1st rounder. So now the Wizards had two later picks, and that was fine with Darko. With their first pick at 42, the Wizards were targeting Dillon Brooks, but when the point guard out of Kansas Frank Mason was still available at 42, it was a no brainer for GM Darko to grab him up. "It was a no brainer, I had to grab him up!" said Darko. But then Darko's night got even better, the guy they were targeting with the 42nd pick was still available at the 49th pick. So the Wizards selected the small forward out of Oregon, Dillon Brooks. "We are very happy with who we selected in this years draft. We hope that Frank and Dillon can come aboard the team next year and make an impact for us, show us what they have to offer." said Darko.

As for the trades, the Wizards made two deals to bring in some veteran leadership for the team, and hope they can teach the young guys what it is to be a NLL player. The first deal was in a three way deal, where the Wizards sent Jameer Nelson to the Chicago Bulls, and Jodie Meeks to the Phoenix Suns, in return the Wizards acquired the talented Jamal Crawford. "We are thrilled to have someone with Crawfords ability. He is a player that can come off our bench and make an immediate impact." said Darko. In the send deal that went down, the Wizards sent Jeff Greens expiring contract to the Dallas Mavericks with a 2019 second round pick. In return the Wizards got the veteran Joe Johnson. Johnson who played for the Wizards between 2005 to 2009 season is a fan favorite and might end up getting his number retired in Washington. "Getting Joe back here is a special moment for us. He was a part of many of our playoff runs, the fans love him, and its great to have him back in a Wizards uniform." said Darko. Even though Jamal and Joe are both past their prime, they intend to help the Wizards grow their young players, and still compete for a playoff spot next season.