Washington Wizards 2012 Draft Preview

Washington will be near the top of the draft again this year, largely because 2010 No. 1 overall pick John Wall hasn't developed as quickly as the Wizards had hoped

Washington should be in a solid position at No. 3 to grab either a shooting guard to pair with Wall or a big man to compliment Nene.

Bradley Beal is likely the team's top choice but Cleveland also has eyes on the Florida shooting guard and could move up to snare him. UConn center Andre Drummond is the top option upfront while defensive specialist Michael Kidd- Gilchrist could be a fallback option for the Wiz.

Washington already made a major move before the draft trading the cumbersome contract of Rashard Lewis to New Orleans for a pair on contributors in center/power forward Emeka Okafor and swingman Trevor Ariza. The Hornets also received the 46th overall pick in the draft.

"We are pleased to add two more solid pieces as we continue to build our roster with a balance of proven veterans and the core of young talent that we have developed," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "Emeka's defensive presence and rebounding ability will combine with Trevor's versatility to add new dimensions to our frontcourt, and both players fit in very well with the type of team-first culture that we have been working to establish."

Players Under Contract: F: Andray Blatche; F: Chris Singleton; F: Jan Vesely; F: Trevor Booker; F: Kevin Seraphin; G: John Wall G: Jordan Crawford; C: Nene; C/F: Emeka Okafor; F: Trevor Ariza;

Free Agents: F: Brian Cook; G: Roger Mason; G: Maurice Evans

Recent Draft History: 2011: Jan Vesely (6), Chris Singleton (18), Shelvin Mack (34) 2010: John Wall (1), Lazar Hayward (30(, Nemanja Bjelica (35) 2009: Jermaine Taylor (32) 2008: JaVale McGee (18), Bill Walker (47) 2007: Nick Young (16), Dominic McGuire (47)

Draft picks: 1st round (3rd overall); 2nd round (32nd overall, 46th overall)