Shorthanded Wizards sign 2 centers, set to resume Sunday

Posted January 23, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) goes to the basket past Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Washington. Wizards center Robin Lopez (15) looks on. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - The shorthanded Washington Wizards signed free agent centers Alex Len and Jordan Bell on Saturday, trying to fill out a roster decimated by COVID-19 and injuries.

The Wizards have scrapped six games since a win over Phoenix on Jan. 11 made them 3-8. They're scheduled to play Sunday at San Antonio.

Six Washington players have tested positive for the coronavirus and three other players were sidelined after contact tracing determined they might have been exposed to the illness.

Starting center Thomas Bryant is out for the season with an injured left knee and point guard Russell Westbrook is still dealing with a left quadriceps injury.

The 7-foot Len averaged 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in 474 games over eight seasons with Phoenix, Atlanta, Sacramento and Toronto. He played seven games for the Raptors this season.

The 27-year-old from Ukraine played at Maryland before he was the fifth overall pick by Phoenix in the 2013 draft.

The 6-8 Bell averaged 3.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 154 games over three seasons with Golden State, Minnesota and Memphis. The 26-year-old hadn't played in the NBA this season.

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The Washington Wizards and the Miami Heat compete during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) The Associated Press

Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) The Associated Press

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