National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards: Jarell Eddie Might Not Make The Team

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Wizards have found a group of players that are competing for a final roster spot, which could hurt Jarell Eddie’s chances of making the team.

Before preseason started, it was reported that Jarell Eddie – a sharpshooter who signed with the Washington Wizards last year after an impressive stint in the NBA Developmental League- was a lock to make this year’s roster.

Eddie entered the league and knocked down four 3-point shots against the Brooklyn Nets. Normally, a player would have the opportunity to build on that momentum, but Randy Wittman was coaching the team at the time.

He quickly slipped out of the Wizards’ rotation and was relegated to the end of the bench, where he became popular for his enthusiastic towel waving.

Surprisingly, Eddie decided to stick with the organization (the Wittman firing certainly couldn’t have hurt) for summer league.

In the exhibition circuit, Eddie averaged over 15 points and made over 46 percent of his 3-point shots. Known for his catch-and-shoot ability, Eddie was forced out of his comfort zone, often putting the ball down on the floor to create his own looks.

As a first option, Eddie thrived in summer league and was asked to attend training camp with Washington.

Months later, he’s back on the Wizards’ bench for preseason.

Expectations have been high for both Eddie and Kelly Oubre, who were the standout players for Washington in summer league, but the likes of Sheldon McClellan, Johnny O’Bryant and Danuel House have also caused some excitement.

After years of not being able to find a steal in the second round or free agent market following the draft, the Wizards have a crop of players that are all capable of making an NBA roster.

McClellan scored 20 points in his second game with Washington and received praise from Scott Brooks, who said the shooting-guard has a legitimate shot at making the team.

O’Bryant has been a consistent force on the glass and defensively. He’s done all the little things – offensive put backs, key rebounds and defensive stops – that the coaching staff notices.

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Against the New York Knicks, O’Bryant scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

In limited action – he’s played less than 11 minutes per game through three contests – House has also shown flashes of potential.

At 6-foot-7, House is long, athletic and can hit the outside shot, which are all factors that teams look for in modern forwards.

Eddie, though, has kind of been the odd man out.

He’s only made 1 of his 8 total shots in preseason, playing just over 8 minutes per game.

There’s a chance that Eddie – who, again, was considered a lock to make the team – has already been promised a roster spot and Brooks is just looking to get some of the other players on non-guaranteed contracts a chance to prove themselves.

But, given how well everyone on the bench has played, it also would not be surprising if he became one of the players left off the roster.

All of the aforementioned players, including Eddie, bring something valuable to the team.

O’Bryant has outplayed some of the Washington Wizards’ bigs that have multi-year deals. He’s arguably played just as well as Ian Mahinmi and Jason Smith, who signed four and three-year contracts this off-season, respectively.

Washington’s lack of depth in the backcourt has also improved McClellan’s chances of realizing his dreams. He’s capable of scoring without the help of a point guard, which helps negate his weakness as a shooter. House seems to have all the tools to contribute and has made the most of the minutes he’s gotten.

Brooks is going to have some tough roster decisions to make, as he’s said all throughout preseason. There are just a few weeks left before the actual games begin. Soon, the front office and coaching staff will have to shorten the bench. Eddie could end up being one of the players that doesn’t have a spot, after all.

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