Davis was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, leading Wisconsin with 19.7 points and 8.7 rebounds as a sophomore last season. He played mostly small forwards for the Badgers, but Shepherd is so confident in both Davis’s handle and basketball know-how that a 20-year-old kid can switch between point guards and shooting guards. I believe I can do it.
“Getting out on the floor, he understands the game well. He’s a quick learner — finding a coach who can fully compliment him on his basketball IQ, his personality, and his athletic ability. I couldn’t do it, “Shepard said. “I think he’s an underrated passerby — he keeps saying he’s a great passerby. He didn’t pass much in college, so I’ll encourage him to pass a little more. But I think he will be able to score at different levels. I think he’s great. “
Davis grew up in Wisconsin and played basketball with his twin brothers on a court built by his parents in the backyard. So the twins fought countless battles, turning Davis into a fierce competitor and preferring to appear in the badger’s big game. He had 37 points, 14 rebounds of jewels at the time-no. 3 January Padew and 30 points explosion at the time-No. November 12th Houston first put him on the NBA Scout map.
“I feel really understandable only if I have twin brothers or twin sisters,” Davis said in a conference call.
Scores aside, Unseld is most excited to see how Davis defends. The coach was impressed with Davis’ ability to create on-demand, defensive play during a 20-year-old interview with Wizards — Davis worked for the team on June 2.
“The fact that he embraces that aspect is an important part-you give yourself a chance. He seems to be a very bold player,” Unseld said. “The homeworker is tactically trained in what we are trying to achieve, but I think he chooses. [defense] Get up immediately. With these two intangible assets, you really give yourself the opportunity to become an elite in the field. “
Shepherd sees Davis as a potential ball handler, but his choice probably doesn’t affect Washington’s quest to find a permanent solution at the point guard. Wizards wouldn’t want the rookie to be a point guard, and Shepherd said Thursday would be happy that Washington had three ball handlers on the court at a time.
The general manager also said that the ideal version of point guards with him and Unseld is a more traditional floor general that prioritizes organizing attacks and passing points, but the fact that traditional point guards are increasingly rare. May explain.
“We’re trying to put three ball handlers out there. When you have, we’re trying to keep it really wide open. [Kristaps Porzingis] When [Bradley Beal], A competent scorer.You put [Kyle Kuzma] there, [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope] There, now you have another guy, Johnny, who can fill it up a bit. I think it’s exciting to do that, “Shepherd said. “fact [Davis] A good rebounder reinforces some other things we expect from him. I’m excited. On the night of the draft, everyone is undefeated and everyone is excited. We really are. “
Washington chose 18-year-old Yannick Zosa, a 6-foot-11 center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 54th place.
The wizard can proceed to re-sign the Beal, the top item in the to-do list. A security guard who turns 29 on Tuesday is eligible to sign a five-year contract next month, ranging from about $ 250 million, following a season shortened by his left wrist injury.
Shepherd praised beer as a valuable franchise highlight at a press conference on Monday and said he hopes he will be at his best by the time Washington opens a training camp in September. Wizards then heads to Japan to play pre-season games.
“I’m just looking at the player, and I know it’s someone you can build your franchise,” Shepherd said. “I know he’s going to have a great season. Where he is now [in his rehab] I think he will be serious in terms of shots as he is ready to go to Japan in two months instead of where he is in one month. “
