The Washington Wizards selected Gonzaga’s Corey Kispert with the 15th overall pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Kispert, 22, is known for his shooting and ability to stretch the floor. The 6-foot-7 forward played in college with current Wizards forward Rui Hachmura.
At Gonzaga, Kispert shot 40.8% from deep and averaged 11.6 points per game.
As a senior, Kispert scored 18.6 points per game.
“That little two or so minutes from the time my name got called when I shook Commissioner Silver’s hand, is a highlight of my life,” Kispert said of being drafted. “I feel still like my heart rate’s dropping. Numb from head to toe. I loved every minute of it.”
Kispert was an All-American as a senior and led the Bulldogs to an undefeated regular season and the national championship game before losing to Baylor.
“He helped lead them to the national championship game. He just had a stellar collegiate career, he’s very mature,” Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said. “The way that we see the future of the NBA, I’ve mentioned this several times, I think you’re going to see more 3s than less, and he’s somebody that really makes us comfortable that we can reach our goal of increasing our 3-point shooting.”
The Wizards had the 22nd pick after acquiring it from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a larger package for Russell Westbrook. The Wizards selected Kentucky 6-foot-11 forward Isaiah Jackson before reportedly dealing his rights to the Indiana Pacers for the 31st overall pick and point guard Aaron Holiday.
With the first pick in the second round and 31st overall pick, the Pacers selected 6-foot-10 forward Isaiah Todd for the Wizards. The Baltimore native played for the G-League Ignite last season.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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