The District Of Misfit Toys

Previously on Ready To Die...the Wizards have let Rashard Lewis (aka the Abominable Snowman) know that the team will not be using the NBA's amnesty clause on the overpaid 13 year veteran. It isn't because they really WANT to. The Wizards just know that NBA players dictate where they play, free agency is all about "playoffs now", and no other decent free agents want to play in DC. If they get rid of Lewis, there is nobody to replace him. (Also why they can't lose Nick Young, Josh Howard, etc)

Reading NBA news, trade rumors, and free agent signings can be quite disappointing for a Wizards fan. While talks of guys like Dwight Howard, & Chris Paul being traded anywhere but DC run rampant in the news, the Wizards are looking to sign former players like Roger Mason to 1 year deals. I see West, I see Nene, I don't see the Wizards.

All in all that is probably a good thing. The Wizards aren't willing to shell out the outrageous amount of money it would take to woo a guy to a team that is terrible. As a "rebuilding" and young team, the Wizards are going to have to wait at least a few years to be contenders, and build from within. (See Ted Leonsis strategy w/ Caps)

All of this means that the Wiz once again may look like the Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph. Free agents that were castaways, not in the league, injured, or broken. Players that are just not very good.

Luckily for the Wizards, adding new free agents is only a small portion of what the roster will be. They already have some starters in place (although not great ones), three new rookies with potential, and a couple guys who may not get decent offers from other teams.

So don't expect too much from this free agency period, maybe a Charlie-in-the-Box or a King Moonracer Lion. Yukon Cornelius Grunfeld won't be digging up any gold...