The Washington Wizards will play host to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night — the team that they finalized a trade with just last Monday after a turbulent weekend.
It will be Kelly Oubre Jr.’s first time playing against Washington, after he and Austin Rivers were dealt to Phoenix to acquire former Wizard Trevor Ariza from the Suns. The Suns released Rivers shortly after the trade, so he won’t be part of the reunion.
In the meantime, the Wizards continued to make roster moves Friday, announcing the signing of guard Ron Baker and waiving Okaro White.
Coach Scott Brooks said he liked that Baker was a physical defender.
Baker was waived by the New York Knicks last week and headed to Wichita, where he’s currently based after he played his college ball Wichita State. But he had to make a quick turnaround to Washington.
Baker called it a “fresh start” after a bumpy start to his NBA career. He doesn’t know how he’ll fit into the Wizards’ roster just yet, but wants to make his spot on the roster by sharing the ball and playing close defense.
“I feel like if you do those things in the league, there’s always gonna be a spot for you,” Baker said.
Baker said he met Bradley Beal on Friday, and the All-Star guard was “very encouraging.”
“When you’ve got an All-Star like him welcoming you to the team, that makes you feel good,” Baker said. “It makes you feel wanted and that’s all I want.”
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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