Leaky Black Adds to Wizards' Positive Developmental Trend

Which Wizards' Deep-Cuts Left Their Marks?

Black is just the latest of veterans pulled into the squad on a two-way deal or given a chance with an even-briefer 10-day contract, but most every defensive-minded wing or hustling scorer before him has similarly met the Wizards' marks to impress during their appearances.

Juju Reese, for one, has been on the big-league team for about as long as Black, filling in swimmingly as a determined rebounder and intriguing at-rim finisher. He understood how lucky it was for every single other big man on the roster to have been relatively-unhealthy around the same time, clearing the way for him to build buzz as a fitting NBA player for the rest of this season and beyond.

And the Wizards' frontcourt, a once-loaded position group that's needed reinforcements late in the campaign, has appreciated these occasional injections of fresh life. Alondes Williams shot over 61% from the field as a daring bucketeer across four February games. Kadary Richmond's time was even shorter, but his physicality was much-appreciated in his first stint in the bigs. Even Skal Labissière made good use of his latest opportunity in approaching a decade since his initial draft.

No recap of successful margin signings could be complete without Sharife Cooper, the born-again backup point guard who's done what no aforementioned piece has in solidifying himself as a regular in Washington's rotation. He shoots and finishes when he has to, sets the table for everyone else and defends with enough heart to make up for his small stature. His minutes may be less consistent since Young's Wizards debut, but he's unquestionably left a positive impression on the organization.

The Wizards' ongoing mission to tank their way into a premium draft pick, along with the injuries they've sustained along the way, have led to more players getting shots at carving out roles than NBA lineups are generally accustomed to. Luckily for the fans and coaching staff, their G League-affiliate and scouts have done the group right in repeatedly identifying helpful blink-and-you'll-miss-them supporting pieces.