Khris Middleton Emerges as Wizards' Option to Replace Champagnie

In a contest against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26th, Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie came down on his right foot/ankle area after going up for a defensive rebound. 

Champagnie exited the game and would not return, and his absence was evident as Washington would get out rebounded 54-41 and allow a staggering 20 offensive rebounds. 

Unfortunately, Champagnie's injury was worse than we all expected, as it was announced by Josh Robbins of The Athletic that Champagnie underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot and is hopeful to return to action by the All-Star break. 

The absence of Champagnie will significantly hinder Washington's ability to rebound and defend, but most importantly their ability to compete as he is arguably the most important player on the roster. 

Other players will have to step up in his absence, but who will it be? 

It's widely known within Washington's fanbase that Champagnie is a high motor, high impact player that translates to winning, but someone will have to step up in his absence. 

In Washington's most recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Head Coach Brian Keefe played veteran wing Khris Middleton for 23 minutes over a player like Will Riley, which has fans wondering what the rotation will look like going forward. Compounding the Middleton's fourth quarter minutes was the lack of playing time for a defensive specialist like Bilal Coulibaly, adding early season criticism for Keefe.

It is also important to note that Tre Johnson was ruled out shortly before tip-off due to achilles soreness, so Keefe was down not one, but two key rotational players in the game against Cleveland.

As a 15-year NBA veteran, Middleton possesses the discipline and leadership that a young team like Washington lacks. However, at 35 years-old, Middleton has struggled to keep up with the pace of play of Washington and other teams.

Riley on the other hand is coming off of a very promising rookie season, where he averaged 10.3 PPG on 43.9% FG and 31.6% from beyond the arc. However, Riley is on the outside looking in of this rotation as his game hasn't positively translated to Washington's team this season.

With that being said, Keefe has a decision to make -- play the regressing veteran or the promising young guy?

I believe Washington should look to play Riley over Middleton as his energy, potential and high basketball IQ fits Washington's scheme better. While it is a risk to play Riley over Middleton, we've seen more flashes from Riley over the past year than we have with Middleton. But could this be what ultimately materializes in time as Riley grows through year two?

Additionally, Riley provides more size and on-ball versatility than Middleton which is crucial for a team who has struggled to find playmaking within their bench unit. 

Lastly, it is important for Washington to provide Riley the proper minutes he needs in order to develop into the promising wing that we've seen he could be, over a guy like Middleton who's best years are well behind him. 

All in all, Washington will miss the impact that Champagnie provides, but they have the players in their organization to keep the team afloat until he returns, and Riley could play a massive role in that.