It is not yet known if Paul Pierce will return for a second season in Washington, but that decision won’t matter as the Wizards prepare for the NBA Draft.
Following From Washington Post.
“Obviously we’d like to have Paul back, but that decision is going to be his and I don’t think that decision will have anything to do with the draft,” Grunfeld said. “It’s very seldom that on a playoff team you have a late pick that’s going to come in and get into the rotation right away, especially on a veteran team like we have. So I don’t think Paul’s situation will affect what we do in the draft.”
Even if Pierce leaves, Otto Porter is ready to be the starting small forward in Washington, so there is not a necessary gap to fill at that position. The team will still look to draft the “best player available” even though any indication of The Truth returning is up in the air.
Washington does not seem to be worried about a potential departure from Pierce, and appears to not be phased by any lurking possibilities. No matter what happens, the Wizards are going to use their selection to create more roster depth and to get ready for another late playoff run into the summer.
