A Star Guard and Two Picks Headed for Washington
On June 11, 1991, the Denver Nuggets sent Michael Adams and the No. 19 pick in the approaching draft to Washington, along with future second-round consideration. The Bullets surrendered the No. 8 choice, giving Denver a chance to select a player much earlier. Denver used its pick on Michigan State guard Mark Macon; Washington chose LaBradford Smith at No. 19, and the later selection was No. 36 in 1993, used on John Best. The Nuggets media guide independently records the same broad transaction. The bargain was unusual because the experienced point guard was arguably more valuable than any one draft selection: Washington gained proven offense and still retained a first-round pick.
Adams Immediately Became Washington’s All-Star Point Guard
In 1991-92, Adams played and started 78 Bullets games while averaging 18.1 points, 7.6 assists and 1.9 steals. He was selected to the All-Star Game for that season, making the trade an immediate success for a Washington team searching for an established lead guard. His value was not confined to a prospect projection or a future draft transaction. LaBradford Smith also played NBA minutes for the Bullets as a young guard. The additional 1993 second-round choice yielded John Best, whose NBA role was negligible, but Adams supplied enough actual starting production to support Washington’s A+ grade. Neither Macon’s later appearances nor the second pick should distract from that main transaction-specific outcome.
Macon Was Available in Denver but Did Not Reach Adams’s Level
Macon started 67 of his 76 Denver games in 1991-92, averaging 10.6 points and 2.0 steals. Those are real contributions from a top-ten draft selection, even if his shooting efficiency was weak and the role diminished in later years. He appeared in 48 Denver games in 1992-93, starting 27, before his career moved elsewhere. Denver’s C+ grade recognizes two partial starting seasons rather than no return at all. What the Nuggets surrendered, however, was an All-Star caliber ball handler who delivered that quality for Washington immediately, plus a lower first-rounder. The stronger veteran impact and remaining draft flexibility give the Bullets a convincing win.
Final Verdict
Wizards Win. Washington earns A+ for Michael Adams’s 78-start, All-Star 1991-92 season and also receives LaBradford Smith and a later second-round pick. Denver receives C+ for Mark Macon, who played 76 rookie games but could not match the veteran guard’s immediate impact.