Mike Scott was quick to the point about what happened last season.
“Basically, I sucked,” he said Monday on a conference call.
Scott, a 28-year-old, 6-foot-8 forward, was signed by the Washington Wizards on Sunday as part of a dual swipe at rehabilitation. The Wizards’ bench was ineffective last season, slowing a 49-win team throughout the regular season and playoffs. Scott found himself bouncing between the Atlanta Hawks and their D-League affiliate before he was eventually waived after shooting a paltry 28.8 percent from the field. Just a year prior, he shot 39.2 percent from behind the 3-point line. Last season, he shot 14.8 percent.
Joining Washington gives Scott a prove-it chance. He wants to show that last season was a fluke, that he belongs in the NBA and that his off-the-court issues are behind him. Scott’s brother, Antonn, was pulled over in 2015 while driving Scott’s car. Banks County Sheriffs said they found 35.2 grams of marijuana and 10.9 grams of powdered MDMA (Molly) in the player’s car. In May, a judge ruled that Antonn Scott should not have been pulled over because he had been racially profiled. The ruling suppressed further evidence.
On the floor, Scott dealt with ankle surgery last July, then a knee problem which required a platelet-rich plasma injection, before being traded by Atlanta to Phoenix on Feb. 23. He was waived the next day.
“If we’re being honest, last year, like I said, it was a bad year for me,” Scott said. “I was grateful for the opportunity [the Wizards] gave me. They didn’t have to do that and it wasn’t looking good for me at all. Off-the-court issues, injuries. This is a great opportunity for me to have a brand-new start.”
Scott said he “sulked” at one point of his career downturn. He’s over that now and hopes to become a rotational player for a Wizards roster that needs a bench boost to further its chances in the Eastern Conference. To do so, point guard Tim Frazier was acquired, shooting guard Jodie Meeks was signed and Scott was added to the mix.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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