SLAMonline Mock Draft: Jordan Hill, No. 5

Hill brings a lot to the table. Toughness outweighs ‘em all.

by Kye Stephenson

With the fifth pick in the SLAMonline Mock Draft, the Washington Wizards select…

Jordan Hill. Truth be told, I don’t much care for this draft spot. The players we think could make an immediate impact for us (Griffin, Rubio, Jennings) are already off the board. So our focus became adding someone who will complement the players we already have on our roster. We believe that person is Jordan Hill.

We’re a playoff team. If it wasn’t for injuries I believe we would have made the Playoffs this past season. So, even without this pick I’m expecting we will be in the post-season next season. So I had to ask myself, “What can I do with this pick that will get us to the Finals?”

My answer is toughness. And I think Jordan Hill can bring that to our ball club.

I saw one too many games last season where we were out there just going through the motions, looking like zombies. I’m looking for some emotion. Not Rasheed Wallace emotion. More like Kenyon Martin emotion—someone who’s going to bring intensity every night.

Our front line is softer than cotton balls and this year’s playoffs are further proof that you have to be able to bang if you want to advance. Right now we’re stockpiled with big men who have yet to make a serious impact (McGuire, Songalia, Pecherov, Blatche). On top of that Antawn Jamison isn’t getting any younger. Hill will bring rebounding and toughness and I’m hoping a rough-edged flair. He also showed signs of being a shot blocker and solid defensive player. If he can patrol the lane he’ll do wonders for our squad.

Offensively, Hill doesn’t yet have an all-around polish. But with the threesome of Arenas, Butler and Jamison, Hill won’t be pressured to come in and make shots. This will allow him to slowly develop his offense and concentrate on defense and rebounding. He’s already shown an athleticism and explosiveness that will help him against larger, slower players. With time, I’m hoping he’ll more fully develop his mid-range jumper and low-post moves.

I did take a long, hard look at DeMar DeRozan, but ultimately I felt a power presence inside was something we needed most. Tyreke Evans was a thought as well, but mostly due to Gilbert’s health issues. Evans is young and raw, and I wasn’t sold on his ability to run an offense. I also had a long talk with Gilbert in my office and he assured me he is healthy with plenty of gas left in the tank.

James Harden was mentioned, but I don’t see him bringing anything to our team that we don’t already have. Besides Gilbert, we’ve got Nick Young, DeShawn and Dixon coming back at guard. Picking Harden wouldn’t make much sense for us.

Hill has a solid core game that should be easy to mold. His ability to run the floor, his wingspan and solid frame are intangibles that can’t be taught. When teams see Washington on the schedule, I want them to fear making the trip. Not only for the physical bruises but for the bruises to their ego.

Last season was forgettable, to say the least. But with my brilliant hiring of Flip Saunders (*pat myself on back*) I’m looking for at least 50 wins and Jordan Hill to help us make a deep playoff run.