Wizards trade rights to Juan Carlos Navarro to Grizzlies for first round pick
Aug 16th, 2007 by Inside Hoops
Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired a future first round draft pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to Juan Carlos Navarro.
“We’re pleased to acquire a first round pick, which gives us an additional asset,” said Grunfeld. “Our backcourt, led by Gilbert Arenas, DeShawn Stevenson, Antonio Daniels and our recent draft pick Nick Young, is deep and versatile. By trading the rights to Juan Carlos Navarro – a former second round pick of the Wizards – we have greater flexibility to build our team.”
Navarro was originally drafted by the Wizards with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies made a great move by trading for Juan Carlos Navarro. As time passes the benefits may far extend just keeping his fellow countryman Pau Gasol happy and in Memphis.
Navarro, himself is a very accomplished combo guard, and when in rhythem a lights out shooter. In recent years, he and Toronto’s Jose Calderon, were the premier backcourt stars of Spanish basketball. Many people, including myself, were very impressed with Calderon’s contribution to the Raptors’ success last year and felt he did a better job of running their attack then T.J. Ford did. As effective as Calderon is, Navarro is a far greater talent.
A huge side benefit of Navarro’s arrival, could be his role as a backcourt mate and mentor to rookie Mike Conley. I think the Griz made a great move in drafting Conley. Although he left Ohio State earlier then I feel he should have, he has superb recognition and instinct for the game. Conley has the necessary qualities to eventually become an elite NBA point guard, if he is developed properly. Navarro, with his huge amount of high level international experience, and feel for team basketball could be an excellent model for Conley.
The upcoming season will be a learning and adjustment period to NBA ball for both Navarro and Conley, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Griz are a noticably better team by season’s end.
Jerry Mittleman
This is why the Wizards will never be contenders. Why not keep Navarro for a year or two you have nothing to lose or you can use him as trade bait down the road. If you going to trade him at least get an unprotected first round draft pick for him. If this guy is as good as everyone claims why give him up for nothing? Keep making bad moves and soon you going to have to replace Gilbert Arenas and return to 17 years of lottery like before Arenas arrived to town.