National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards: Sheldon McClellan Is Leaving A Positive Impression On Coaching Staff

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

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Washington Wizards undrafted rookie Sheldon McClellan has turned heads during preseason and could end up making the team’s final roster.

Out of all the players that joined the Washington Wizards on partially guaranteed deals this summer, Sheldon McClellan seemed to have the smallest chance at making the team’s roster.

The undrafted rookie averaged less than 3 points per game during NBA Summer League and made just 4 of his 15 shot attempts. Having signed a deal before even stepping on the court, though, McClellan was essentially a lock to attend training camp with the Wizards.

McClellan was one of the first players that Washington inked to a deal after the 2016 NBA Draft ended.

Needing a scoring guard, the Wizards believed that McClellan had the potential to become a steal. He put up 16 points per game on over 50 percent shooting from the field during his senior season with the Miami Hurricanes.

Still, given the emergence of Jarell Eddie and Danuel House, most believed that McClellan would be among the first players to go.

After two games in preseason, McClellan has proved to be a worthy addition.

In a double-overtime game against the Philadelphia 76ers, McClellan scored 20 points on 6-10 shooting from the field and dished out 4 assists.

Now more than ever, teams have become focused on spacing the floor and scoring in transition. The shooting guards are asked to take shots from deep without overdribbling. Isolation basketball isn’t looked at the same way as it was just a few years ago.

McClellan’s game doesn’t fit the new-school brand of basketball. He’s not an elite outside shooter and he can’t play multiple positions. That doesn’t mean he can’t earn a roster spot, though.

The other players that are competing for a final spot also have limitations.

Eddie, for instance, is strictly a 3-point shooter and has struggled on the defensive side of the court. McClellan isn’t much of a threat from beyond the 3-point arc, but he’s shown flashes of being able to create off the dribble, score in transition and force the opposing player into tough shots.

It’s going to be on the coaching staff to weigh the options. If they deem shooting more important, then Eddie will get the nod. If they want more upside with defensive potential, then McCllelan will earn the final roster spot.

Scott Brooks has said that making cuts for this year’s roster is going to be one of the toughest decisions of his coaching career. A case could be made for all six players that are on non-guaranteed deals. McClellan, so far, has been the most productive.