NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
The Washington Wizards finished the preseason 2–2, but the results were only part of the story. Their four games offered an early look at how the team’s veteran stars and young players might fit together. The roster showed encouraging flashes. However, a few questions will follow Washington into the regular season.
The biggest concern came in Friday’s 107–106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Rookie forward AJ Dybantsa left with an ankle sprain after scoring 12 points in 15 minutes. Coach Brian Keefe said Sunday that Dybantsa was day-to-day. His status for Wednesday’s season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks remains uncertain.
Beyond the injury, the preseason gave the Wizards a chance to test their depth at guard, on the wings, and in the frontcourt.
Guards: Trae Young can set the table, but Washington needs another creator
Trae Young gives the Wizards a clear lead playmaker. He showed he can create opportunities for teammates, including in the finale, when he finished with seven assists. His defense also showed up in key moments, with improved communication and a willingness to get involved in transition.
The next question is what happens when Young sits. Washington has young guards who can score, including Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson. However, the team will need to see who can consistently organize the offense and create for others. Young’s five turnovers and 1-for-11 shooting against New Orleans came in one difficult preseason game, not a verdict on his season. Still, the Wizards will want to limit stretches where the offense loses its rhythm without him.
Wings and forwards: Dybantsa’s promise meets a rotation question
Dybantsa gave Washington an immediate glimpse of why it selected him with the first overall pick. He averaged 12.8 points across four preseason appearances and brought energy on both ends of the floor. His ankle injury is the biggest question mark for this group, especially with opening night just days away.
Kyshawn George also finished the preseason finale with 14 points, while Bilal Coulibaly brings length and defensive versatility on the wing. Veteran Khris Middleton adds another experienced option. That gives the Wizards several players who can contribute in different ways, but the coaching staff will have to sort out how to distribute minutes and touches among them.
If Dybantsa misses time, Washington has capable wings to step in. His absence would still shift the lineup’s balance and take away an important opportunity for the rookie to build chemistry with his teammates.
Bigs: Washington has size, with roles to sort out
Anthony Davis showed the impact he can make near the basket. He scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against New Orleans, and Alex Sarr’s length helped Washington challenge shots around the rim. Deandre Ayton gives the team another experienced big man to use in the frontcourt.
Multiple options are a strength, but they also leave Keefe with rotation decisions. The Wizards will need to find the right combinations for Davis, Sarr, and Ayton, especially when balancing rebounding, rim protection, and spacing. The preseason offered glimpses of how their size can affect the defense, but the regular season will provide a clearer test.
Washington’s wins over New York and Detroit, and close losses to Brooklyn and New Orleans, showed a team with more options than in recent seasons. There is talent across the position groups. The next step is turning those pieces into a consistent rotation, with enough playmaking, reliable defense, and room for the young players to develop.
The Wizards open the regular season on Wednesday against Milwaukee. Their preseason didn’t answer every question, but it gave fans a first look at what each group could bring. For now, the biggest update to watch is whether Dybantsa is ready to make his NBA debut.
