NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The Washington Wizards ended this past NBA season with an 18-64 record. Making it another season of no postseason play, which they last tasted in 2021, when they lost to the 76ers in the first round. This past season was also another year of the Wizards’ unique 3 headed front office unit, which is full of former OKC higher ups which is NOT a bad thing, ask any Thunder fan. For those who are new here, the order goes that Michael Winger is the head of all things Wizards, Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go as President of Monumental Basketball. After him comes Will Dawkins, who is the team’s GM, then comes Travis Schlenk as Senior Vice President of Player Personnel. All three crossed paths for multiple seasons in OKC, working in different roles. This is a total rebuild after getting rid of players like Bradley Beal and the beloved John Wall. The new era is well underway. So, how is it going? Let’s take a look.
Who Are These Kids?
The NBA is a league built on stars, and also, as we saw this past year, great TEAMS that work as one unit. For the Wizards, they had to see which one of the many young players fit what they want to build, and also sprinkle in some vets to teach and mentor. The team this year was BAD, I mean sitting at 6-40 at the mid-way point. I wondered if they are making the right moves. And how bad do things need to get? The light at the end of the tunnel seemed millions of miles away. Two 15-game losing streaks were when I packed away all my Wizards gear in shame. GM Will Dawkins said, plan is to continue to grow through young players,” he said. “If our young players make a massive jump and we go forward, we go forward.”
Names to keep top of mind are Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and the star of this past rookie class, Alex Sarr. Starting with Sarr, who showed he has the DNA to be the franchise star. A big man who has gotten better on the glass and will improve his midrange touch over the summer. His confidence is easy to see, and adding spacing will help him a lot. Drafting Tre Johnson from Texas, who was the best shooter in this past draft class, will be huge. Bub Carrington must feel great after leading scorer Jordan Poole was traded that shows the faith the team has in him, not to mention CJ McCullum and Kris Middleton are midrange snipers who better to learn from?
It’s Bub Carrington time in The District.
Carrington shot 50% from 15-19 feet last year. Now he gets to learn from mid-range scorers in Middleton and McCullum.
Big season ahead for Bub.
(Via @UsherNBA)
pic.twitter.com/T4ZK5zmCVu— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) June 24, 2025
I’m excited to see what he looks like next season leading the way. Bilal is an interesting case after a season where he was often asked to guard the other team’s best player. He was a better shooter than expected and, on the break, he leaves the rim shaking more of that please and thank you. Now for the current draft class. Johnson is a scorer. Every team needs a scorer, and adding Johnson instantly makes the entire team better. From spacing to forcing other teams to help which results in guys getting wide open shots. As well as another wing added to this roster. This is a team that had the worst offensive rating in a league. At only 19-years old the ceiling is super high.
🗣️ BUB 🗣️ CARRINGTON!!!!! https://t.co/fEnyZhm1iK pic.twitter.com/WRj1oj6fCc
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 13, 2025
Adding the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Will Riley who at 6’8 and mobile fits perfectly in today’s NBA. Jamir Watkins out of Florida State is no after thought if he has a strong summer league showing he will do himself a solid in making the team and getting in the rotation. The ACC is not a weak league, and he was 2nd team all-league which to me shows he has the tools to be something positive.
The Vets
Washington has added some good veteran leadership with championship experience. Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, CJ McCullum all have been in playoff battles and can really help guide these young dudes along their NBA journey. They also have some gas left in the tank and will have games where they will be the factor on a win or a loss. Kory Kispert is another name to remember can he have a breakout season with this new look roster?
Conclusion
This is not a championship contending team by any means, but moves have been made to start the next phase of the rebuild. You have gutted the roster and now make tweaks to build a foundation. Are these the right bricks to lay down as the organization is built back up, we will see. One thing to keep in mind also is that YES, the GM gave head coach Brian Keefe the “vote of confidence” but with names like Mike Malone out there among others a good start to the season is important. Things are looking up for the Wiz kids now we just need to see what they learn in summer school. #ForTheDistrict
