2025-26 NBA Guide- Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards’ Dismal 2024-25 Season

The Washington Wizards entered the 2024–25 NBA season without major ambitions and they played exactly like it. The team finished the regular season with an 18–64 record, the fifth-worst mark in franchise history. That earned them the bottom spot in the Eastern Conference and second-to-last in the entire league, ahead of only the Utah Jazz.

Statistically, there isn’t much to praise. The Wizards recorded the league’s worst offensive rating (106.8), the fourth-worst defensive rating (119.1), and the third-worst point differential in NBA history at -12.4.

It was clear from the start that the team’s focus was more on developing its young core, the foundation for a long-term rebuild, rather than competing for a playoff spot. Players like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George got significant minutes throughout the season and showed flashes of potential.

Among them, Alex Sarr stood out the most. In his rookie campaign, the French big man averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. While his efficiency remains a work in progress (just 39.4% shooting from the field), his defensive impact and promise earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.

Two other names defined Washington’s season- Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole. Both were the team’s leading scorers but didn’t return for the upcoming season. Kuzma was traded midyear to the Milwaukee Bucks, while Poole was moved to the New Orleans Pelicans during the offseason.

Veterans like Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart also departed, signaling the front office’s clear intent to prioritize youth development over short-term success.

Reshaping Roster for a Youth-Driven Rebuild

The Wizards had an interesting offseason not because of major additions, but because of smart, forward-looking financial moves. Their goal was to clear cap space and gain flexibility for future roster building.

The biggest trade sent Jordan Poole to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for C.J. McCollum. Poole, who led the team in scoring last season, still had two years left on his $32 million-per-year contract. McCollum, meanwhile, brings experience and leadership, and most importantly, his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season, freeing up valuable cap space.

In the same deal, the Wizards also landed Kelly Olynyk, who was on an expiring contract as well. However, Olynyk never suited up for Washington. He was quickly traded to the San Antonio Spurs for Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, two young guards with low-cost, short-term contracts. Wesley has since been flipped to the Portland Trail Blazers, continuing Washington’s churn of short-term assets.

Elsewhere, the Wizards made a few smaller moves in free agency. Marcus Smart, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, was waived and later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Gill and Richaun Holmes were also released.

On the positive side, the team added Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets, a promising young wing who can score and has room to grow defensively. The 2025 NBA Draft also went well for Washington, as they selected Tre Johnson, an offensively gifted guard, from Texas and Will Riley from Illinois.

As a result of all these moves, the Wizards now project to have $58.6 million in cap space for the 2026–27 season. With a talented young core already in place, the team is well-positioned to pursue experienced players in the future and eventually re-enter the playoff race.

Low Expectations and Next Phase of Rebuild

Given the departures of key veterans and the front office’s commitment to a long-term rebuild, expectations for the 2025–26 season remain modest. The Wizards are unlikely to contend for a playoff spot, as their main focus will be on the continued growth of their young players.

More than wins and losses, the key storyline for the upcoming season will be the development of the young nucleus, Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Keyonte George, and Bilal Coulibaly. Their progress, both individually and collectively, will be a true test of whether the Wizards’ rebuild is moving in the right direction.

Can Alex Sarr Emerge as Face of the Franchise?

Selected second overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Alex Sarr is widely regarded as the potential cornerstone of the Wizards’ future. In his rookie year, he averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks over 67 games. While he wasn’t a Rookie of the Year finalist, his consistent defensive impact earned him a spot on the All-Rookie Team.

Still just 20 years old, Sarr has plenty of room to grow. His defensive instincts and rim protection were already impressive, thanks to his athleticism and mobility. On offense, however, there’s still work to be done. He shot 45.4% on two-pointers, 30.8% from three, and 67.9% from the free-throw line.

His struggles on that end continued in the Summer League, where he shot just 38.8% from the field in six games. But that’s not necessarily a red flag. Consistency and physical maturity often take time for big men. If Sarr can find ways to score more efficiently inside and improve his free-throw shooting, he could solidify himself as a true franchise player rather than just a solid role player.

Wizards’ Weak Defense Needs Urgent Overhaul

Defense remains Washington’s biggest concern heading into 2025–26. Last season, the team’s defensive numbers were disastrous, largely due to the inexperience of its roster.

The Wizards allowed 120.4 points per game, the second-worst mark in the league. Their defensive rating of 119.1 ranked fourth-worst, and their relative defensive efficiency (-4.6) was the worst in the NBA.

They also struggled to contest shots effectively. Opponents shot 47.1% from the field against them (12th-worst) and averaged 43.7 made field goals per game, fifth-worst in the league.

If the Wizards hope to show any signs of progress this season, it will start on the defensive end. That’s where growth, discipline, and chemistry from their young roster will matter most.