The Wizards will sign undrafted center Jaleel Roberts, Shams Charania of RealGM reports (via Twitter). The exact length and terms of the deal are unknown, but Charania notes that it is a non-guaranteed pact. Roberts had worked out for Washington prior to this year’s NBA Draft.
The addition of Roberts will give Washington a roster count of 16 players, and with 15 of those contracts being fully guaranteed, the 22-year-old will be a longshot to make the regular season roster. Working in Roberts’ favor is the Wizards’ lack of depth at the pivot, with the team having just Marcin Gortat, DeJuan Blair, and Nene available for minutes at center currently.
The seven-footer played for four seasons at UNC-Asheville, notching career averages of 4.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks to accompany a slash line of .581/.000/.650.
Teams like the Wizards that don’t have one-to-one D-League affiliates are at a disadvantage with guys like Roberts. Yes, you can see him for a month or so, but you have no opportunity to continue the organizational partnership unless you use a regular season roster spot on him.