The Washington Wizards won’t be playing in the playoffs for the 4th year in a row, since making it in 2021 with Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal as an 8th seed. The Wizards currently have the worst record in the NBA, most likely ending up with one of the 3 worst records in the NBA, giving them a 14% chance of landing the first overall pick in this year’s draft. However, there have been a few positive signs that could give hope for the future in Washington.
The Wizards came into the season with multiple first-round picks hoping to help them massively improve from a franchise record of 67 losses in the previous season. Alex Sarr, the no. 2 overall pick in last year’s Draft, has had a decent first season averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He’s been the best out of the rookie bunch, which was expected because he was their first pick. Jordan Poole, after a very underwhelming first season with the Wizards last year, has seemed to turn a corner and is enjoying his best statistical season to date, averaging 21 points per game and by far the Wizards’ leading scorer. At 25, Wizards fans will hope that Poole can reach farther towards his potential and be a key player for the Wizards for years to come.
In terms of the immediate future in Washington, they made their biggest move this season at the trade deadline, trading away their best player last season, Kyle Kuzma for former All-Star Khris Middleton. With all of that said, what do the fans think of the Wizards’ short and long-term future? Wizards fan Demari thinks “their future looks promising because of the draft.” Brandon Scott from Locked On Wizards said quote “But you have a good situation here for this team. You know, you got a new GM, new Front Office, you know, new President of Basketball Operations, coaching staff that prioritizes development. You have a good situation here. Something is brewing in the Nation’s cap, man.” He also mentions how they could get Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, or Ace Bailey through the Draft this year (three highly touted prospects).
