Wizards give former first-round pick a chance to shine on active roster

"Following the news that first-year Wizard Cam Whitmore would be sidelined for the season due to a blood clot issue, Washington's front office quickly applied for a Disabled Player Exception. With an open roster spot, and the team in a situation where taking swings could still prove beneficial, the Wizards began to scan the market for potential additions to fill their 15th and final roster spot."

"Skal Labissiere was originally drafted No. 28 overall in the first-round of the 2016 NBA Draft after one season at Kentucky. The 6-foot-10 big man began his professional career with the Sacramento Kings, where he showed flashes of his upside but failed to make the strides the team hoped he could. Part of his lack of development stemmed from a poor situational fit, but in reality the biggest reason for his derailed career came courtesy of the forward's constant injury setbacks."

"Following his time in Sac-Town, Labissiere was given the chance at a fresh start with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he struggled just as much, if not more to carve out a sizable role. After bouncing around between the stints in Sacramento and Portland, the 29-year-old spent this past offseason as part of the Washington Wizards training camp roster before eventually signing with the Capital City Go-Go. Now, he finds his next opportunity with the Wizards' active roster after an impressive G-League start."

Cam Whitmore will miss the season due to a blood clot, prompting Washington to apply for a Disabled Player Exception and open a 15th roster spot. The Wizards scanned the market for additions while prioritizing upside and internal options. Skal Labissiere earned a 10-day contract after an impressive start with the Capital City Go-Go. Labissiere was the No. 28 pick in the 2016 draft after one season at Kentucky and struggled in Sacramento and Portland amid repeated injuries and poor situational fits. The 29-year-old shot 55% from the field and 44% from three in the G League before the call-up.

Read at Wiz of Awes