SNIDER: Wiz get three chances to improve in NBA Draft

Choosing center Alex Sarr second overall in Wednesday’s NBA Draft seems the easy part for the Washington Wizards. Their 26th overall pick is the make-or-break selection.

With that 26th pick gained during the midseason clearance sale in return for Daniel Gafford, Washington could take shooting guard Cam Christie, point guard Isaiah Collier, guard/forward Johnny Furphy, or guard Tristen Newton with its second first-rounder.

Sounds simple enough.

First, Sarr seems a no-brainer, unless Atlanta decides to take him No. 1 overall rather than Zaccharie Risacher. The two seem pretty evenly-valued so it’s six of one, half dozen of the other. Either way, Washington gets a badly needed big man.

Sarr is a solid rim defender, something the team hasn’t possessed in years. He runs the floor well for 7-foot-1, so making him a wing isn’t impossible. Playing for Australia's Perth Wildcats helps the team’s marketing, too. Owner Ted Leonsis loves a good international player for selling gear.

Now on to the second pick. It’s going to be a backcourt player. That’s fine, because the Wiz need backcourt...and front court, midcourt, international court and Court of St. James players.

Southern Cal point guard Isaiah Collier seems the best bet. He’s more of a scorer than 10-assist man, but the Wiz need points from everywhere.

Plan B should be Furphy, who had a solid freshman season at Kansas. He shoots well outside and 6-foot-9 guards are always a bonus. Then again, don’t overlook Smith, a 6-foot-11 forward who shoots threes and learned how to be a pro player last season. Those looking for a prospect, which seems like all Washington ever takes, should go with Minnesota shooting guard Christie, who’s a solid outside shooter.

Washington also has the 51st overall pick, though second rounders are outliers in the NBA anymore. Connecticut guard Tristen Newton would be a solid pick after leading the Huskies to consecutive college championships. Good passer, better scorer who can handle NBA pressure.

No matter who Washington picks, it must come away with a solid starter and a good backup at the least if they are ever to break out of their malaise. The team won’t spend money on big-time free agents nor can it seem to lure one. That leaves the draft, only Washington has stunk at it for many years.

Now's the time to reboot the franchise with a new front office, carryover coach and an owner who has city money to improve the aging arena. It just can’t whiff on this draft.