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Wizards Off-Season

By: Jeremy Hyman, August 26, 2014
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It's been a busy offseason for the Wizards.

While some familiar faces have parted ways, the team has added some marquee names to the roster along with retaining some integral pieces to last year's team. Here's a roundup of what's happened since the 2013-14 season concluded.

Who's New

  • Paul Pierce
  • Kris Humphries
  • DeJuan Blair
Who Left

  • Trevor Ariza
  • Trevor Booker
  • Al Harrington
Who Re-signed

  • Randy Wittman
  • Marcin Gortat
  • Drew Gooden
  • Kevin Seraphin
  • Garrett Temple

The New Guys

Paul Pierce


Pierce1

Paul Pierce was the biggest splash the team made this summer, who brings with him to DC a hall-of-fame pedigree. Although he's nearing the end of his career, he's still a player who can produce, and most importantly produce when the game is on the line.

Blog: Pierce Joins Wizards, Sends Message

Press Release: Wizards Sign Paul Pierce


Kris Humphries

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The Wizards added 10-year veteran Kris Humphries to shore up the front court. Still just 29 years old, Hump is a solid veteran who will see minutes playing behind Nene and Marcin Gortat. He adds depth to the team and could slide into the starting lineup at either the PF or C spot if needed.

Blog: Welcome Kris Humphries

Press Release: Wizards Acquire Kris Humphries


DeJuan Blair

Blair_300

Blair is another big who the team added to add some depth to the front court. Although he gets labeled as an undersized power forward, he's one of the toughest and hardest workers on the boards and his energy will likely result in him quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Blog: DeJuan Blair Profile

Press Release: Wizards Acquire DeJuan Blair 


Who Left

Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets

Trevor Ariza, who was an unrestricted free agent this summer, signed on with the Houston Rockets. There's no question he'll be missed as he was a key ingredient to the Wizards starting lineup all of last year. However, adding Paul Pierce to the equation and having a healthy Otto Porter should help to fill in the minutes lost from TA.

Trevor Booker - Utah Jazz

The Cook Book has left town and signed on with the Utah Jazz. Book played four seasons with the Wizards and his name was synonymous with terms like hustle and energy. He was always a fan favorite because of that and his presence will certainly be missed. The Wizards will look for similar minutes from Blair to replace Book.

Al Harrington - CBA League China

Harrington announced on his instagram page that he'll be playing in the CBA League in China next season. That league ends before the NBA one does, so there's always a chance we could see Al come back for the stretch run with the Wiz. But in any case, the Wiz will certainly miss his presence in the locker room and his ability to stretch the floor.


Who Returned

Randy Wittman

Witt took over as the interim coach when Flip Saunders was relieved from the position during the 2011-12 season. The Wizards have improved every year since and made the playoffs for the first time in six years last season. He was rewarded with a new contract and now looks to take the Wizards to the next level.

Blog: Wittman Earns Extension

Press Release: Wittman Signs Contract Extension


Marcin Gortat

Gortat was heavily pursued by many teams this summer, but he made a decision fairly quickly in the process and that decision was to return to Washington. He signed a long-term deal with the Wizards and is now one of the key cogs in the core that is expected to contend.

Blog: Gortat Year in Review


Press Release: Wizards Re-Sign Marcin Gortat


Drew Gooden

Gooden re-signed with the Wizards after joining the team this past March. He was a key contributor for the Wizards not only when Nene was injured, but also played major minutes in the postseason. He's another veteran the team can rely on and could once again be a valuable asset off the bench in 2014-15.

1-on-1: Gooden Thrilled to Be Back

Blog: Gooden Year in Review

Press Release: Wizards Re-Sign Drew Gooden


Garrett Temple

Unlike a year ago, GT had a few other suitors who were interested in his services for this upcoming season. However, he chose to return to the Wizards where he'll add depth to the backcourt playing behind John Wall and Bradley Beal. Temp is a valuable guy to have on a roster because he can play multiple positions, guard multiple positions, won't ever complain about playing time, and provides a great attitude in the locker room. The Wizards are certainly happy to have him back for another year.

1-on-1: Garrett Temple Q&A


Kevin Seraphin

KSLife is back for another year and will look to turn the corner in his development. He's shown flashes of being an excellent low-post player, but hasn't been able to do it consistently to stay in the rotation on a permanent basis. He'll have a lot of competition to battle with this upcoming year, but sometimes competition can bring out the best in a player.


As of now, the Wizards have 14 players under contract, which means there is one open spot if they chose to add one more player to a guaranteed deal. They could leave that spot open, which would give the training camp invitees a chance to make the final roster, or add someone later on in the season. Lots of options and plenty of time to discuss, but what is certain is that this Wizards squad that enters camp in October will be one loaded with talent, experience, youth, and desire.

* Chris Singleton, who played for the Wizards for the past three seasons, is still an unrestricted free-agent.

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