Report: Wizards close to signing Damion James

The Wizards are signing Xavier Silas as their 15th player, but he’ll have to fight to make the regular-season roster.

With 14 guaranteed contracts, Washington has one opening. Silas is seemingly a contender to fill it – and so is Damion James.

J. Michael of CSN Washington:

Training camp opens in two weeks from Tuesday and the Wizards, who can bring in as many as six free agents, have a commitment from Xavier Silas and are close to securing Damion James, CSNwashington.com has confirmed.

James, the No. 24 pick in 2010 out of Texas, spent three seasons with the Nets and then signed late last year with the Spurs. He’s played just a total of 39 games, though he’s provided few signs of encouragement in that span. It’s too soon to close the book on his career, but unless the 26-year-old shows more soon, he’ll stop getting these opportunities.

And I’m not sure how great of an opportunity this is for James. The Wizards have plenty of big-man depth with Marcin Gortat, Nene, Kevin Seraphin, Kris Humphries, Drew Gooden and DeJuan Blair. Washington can use more help at shooting guard, which Silas plays.

Plus, it sounds as if the Wizards might add more players for training camp. James in the mix, but I don’t like his chances.