Washington Wizards Bolster Frontcourt with Skal Labissiere Signing
In a strategic move to address their depleted frontcourt, the Washington Wizards have signed center Skal Labissiere to a 10-day contract, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal, formalized on Tuesday, comes at a critical juncture for the team, which has been grappling with multiple injuries to key players.
Roster Spot Opens Amid Injury Woes
The Wizards found themselves with an available roster spot following a recent trade that saw the Atlanta Hawks acquire Trae Young in exchange for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert. This vacancy became particularly urgent as injuries sidelined Nikola Vukcevic and Marvin Bagley III, leaving the team severely short-handed in the frontcourt.
Labissiere, a 29-year-old former first-round selection from Kentucky, now joins Brian Keefe's squad, hoping to make an immediate impact. His contract, if formalized today, is set to expire on Thursday, February 5, though the Wizards retain the option to terminate it early should they need the roster slot for a trade-deadline maneuver.
Labissiere's Journey to the NBA
Originally selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 28th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Labissiere's career has seen its share of twists and turns. He was later acquired by the Sacramento Kings, where he spent the first three seasons of his NBA tenure, maintaining a consistent role before moving to the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2018–2019 season.
Over 148 regular-season games with Sacramento and Portland, Labissiere averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per night. His journey also included stints in Puerto Rico and the G League, showcasing his resilience and determination to stay in the game.
Strong G League Performance Earns Call-Up
Labissiere's path back to the NBA has been paved by an impressive run with the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards' G League affiliate. After being cut by Washington during the preseason, he dedicated himself to the G League, where his performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable.
In 26 games, he has averaged 19.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.1 assists in 31.0 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency has been a standout feature, with a 55.4 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 44.1 percent from beyond the arc. These statistics highlight his versatility and readiness to contribute at the NBA level.
Financial and Contractual Details
Financially, the deal involves a $153,330 salary for Labissiere on his 10-day contract, with the Wizards incurring a $131,970 cap charge. Standing at 6'10", he could potentially play up to six games for the Wizards before his contract expires, provided he signs before Tuesday's game against Portland.
This short-term opportunity not only gives Labissiere a chance to prove his worth but also provides the Wizards with much-needed depth. With starting center Alex Sarr requiring a reliable backup and injuries plaguing other frontcourt options, Labissiere could find himself in the rotation sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead
As the trade deadline approaches, Labissiere's signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the Wizards. His strong G League performance and experience in the NBA make him a valuable asset during this transitional period. Whether this 10-day deal leads to a longer stay in Washington remains to be seen, but for now, Skal Labissiere has a golden opportunity to reignite his NBA career and help the Wizards navigate their current challenges.
