After Bradley Beal’s preseason injury, the Wizards needed to add depth to their backcourt. They have done just this by agreeing to terms with John Lucas III on a non-guaranteed contract. The signing of Lucas III all but guarantees that Xavier Silas, Rasual Butler, and Damion James will all not make the opening day roster. After the injury to Beal, it seemed that these three would have been fighting for the final roster spot.
As for the 31-year-old John Lucas III, he seems to be a decent signing for the Wizards. This is actually the third transaction he has been a part of this offseason. He was first traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers in July, and then in September, he was traded from the Cavaliers to the Celtics. He is a product of Washington, D.C. and has been in the league since 2005, including stints both overseas and in the D-League. Lucas has played 216 career games, averaging 4.8 points and 1.4 assists in 12.2 minutes per game.
He spent most of last season with the Utah Jazz, playing in 42 games and starting 6 of those. He averaged 3.8 points and 1.0 assists in 14.1 minutes per game. Clearly, the numbers on Lucas are far from staggering. However, he serves the purpose as a more experienced veteran who can play both backcourt positions.
It’s unlikely that Lucas will see a ton of playing time in the Wizards backcourt, but it was necessary for them to bolster their depth. Lucas provides veteran experience and can eat minutes off the bench when called upon, at least until Bradley Beal returns from his wrist injury which is expected to keep him out of play for at least six weeks. The Washington Wizards will open up the regular season on Wednesday, October 29 against the Miami Heat.