No, Washington wasn't at the bottom of every ranking last season. The Wizards finished second in… worst win differentials (-20) between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, just behind Memphis (-24).
Except that if the Grizzlies have real reasons to believe in a quick rebound, the story is very different in the capital of the United States, which saw its franchise go from 35 wins to 15 in one year. The departures of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis sealed the ambitions in DC And this 2024/25 exercise is not looking any different, with an acceleration of the rejuvenation of the workforce this summer.
With three players drafted in the first round recovered, the objective is clear: to start from scratch or almost. Even Deni Avdjia, although young and one of the few reasons for satisfaction, was sacrificed on the altar of the Wizards' rejuvenation. So arrive Alexandre Sarr, second choice 2024, the point guard Bub Carrington, and the guard/winger Kyshawn George, called to become important players in the medium term for Washington. They will have to be patient a little longer while part of last year's executives are still in place. Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole should still benefit from a significant part of the shooting tickets… But for how long?
Kyle Kuzma, at 29 and on a very attractive contract (around $23 million but decreasing to $19.4 million in 2026/27), is an ideal candidate for a trade down the road to free up space. It would also not be unlikely to see Malcolm Brogdon being sent to another franchise again, after being picked up by Portland in the Deni Avdija trade, with only one year left on his contract. Even Jonas Valanciunas (32), signed at a good price this summer, could leave quickly, although the Lithuanian will not be too many to supervise the young shoots, in particular Alex Sarr.
It is up to coach Brian Keefe, who was extended despite a very poor record over his half-season as interim (8 wins – 31 losses), to find the right formula for a team that seems to have no well-defined project since the end of the John Wall – Bradley Beal era.
SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals: Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Alexandre Sarr, Jonas Valanciunas
Departures: Deni Avdija, Tyus Jones, Landry Shamet
PLAYER TO WATCH: JORDAN POOLE
Our chauvinistic side was tempted to highlight Alex Sarr, who will be highly anticipated, both for his status as the second choice in the Draft and after his completely failed Summer League in attack. But if the Toulouse player has all the time in the world, Jordan Poole must catch up, and quickly. A star recruit for the Wizards last season, he was one of the biggest disappointments in the league, no more, no less.
The former Warriors wild card has had a poor campaign, seeming lost on what his role should be, and plummeting in confidence to the point of temporarily losing his place in the starting five. His last month of competition (21.2 points, 7.1 assists on average over his last 14 games) has hinted at a rebound that needs to be confirmed. Jordan Poole is expected to be the leader of Washington's attack and must justify this status.
Surrounded by many young players, he will especially have to avoid falling back into his old ways, between a headless knight side in attack by his shot selection and a total disinterest in defense. Another frustrating year would weaken his place in Washington… while making it difficult for his franchise to exfiltrate him, he who earns nearly $30 million.
Average age: 24.9 years
Payroll: 160.4 million (24e)
THE IDEAL SCENARIO
Like Brooklyn, Washington has no interest in chasing wins, with the 2025 Draft on the horizon and Cooper Flagg's arrival in the NBA. This is especially true for the Wizards since they only have one first-round pick available next season, and only if they make the top 10 of the next lottery, otherwise they would have to send that pick to the Knicks. This should not prevent the Wizards from thinking about what's next and laying the foundations for a game plan going forward.
The youth of the roster and the profile of the drafted players should further encourage DC players to run, after finishing at the top of the “pace” last season. They will now have to combine this “pace” with more defensive solidity, particularly in the half-court. Alexandre Sarr's defensive abilities could do some good in this register, while Washington was the team that conceded the most points in the paint in 2023/24.
More effort, just as many races: the recipe will not always be a winner, but it can at least provide a show for a few matches. This, without jeopardizing the tanking objective. A second half of the season with a five-man Carrington – Poole – Coulibaly – Sarr – Valanciunas would not be surprising and could be a good way to start the future. In any case, this will be largely decided during the “lottery” next May, which will tell whether the season is a success or not.
THE WORST SCENARIO
For a team among the dunces, Washington is not lacking in individuality. So be careful not to fall into the soft underbelly box, even if Jordan Poole or Kyle Kuzma are more the type to pile up statistics than to make wins. It is up to the Wizards' management and coach Keefe to make the right choices now to give the keys to the game to the players of the future of the squad.
The Wizards coach seems inclined to do so, particularly regarding Alex Sarr. We want to give him the ball in his hands so that he can play the game, for himself and for others. ” he assured after the Summer League. Not easy with the ball gluttons already present, nor if the Frenchman does not offer a better face than this summer (0/15 shooting against Portland…). In any case, the team is considering its efforts ” not to pay immediately, but in two years“, as Brian Keefe mentioned. A place outside the Top 5 of the next Draft would still be one of the frustrating outcomes for the club.
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