The franchise’s recent draft success, driven by general manager Will Dawkins, has created optimism inside and outside the organization.
In just two drafts, Dawkins has made five first-round picks: Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukčević, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. All five are already contributing meaningfully, and each appears to be steadily improving.
A Strong Foundation Through Smart Drafting and Development
Carrington and George, in particular, have displayed the intangibles of long-term NBA starters. Carrington played all 82 games as a rookie, an achievement that places him in rare company alongside names like Wes Unseld and Earl Monroe.
He also led all rookies in total minutes and posted two of his best shooting months to close the season. George, meanwhile, evolved from a struggling shooter to one of the Wizards’ most reliable perimeter defenders and high-IQ role players, far outpacing early draft projections.
Alex Sarr, the second overall pick in 2024, showed off his rim protection, improved offensive feel, and ability to switch defensively, flashing legitimate potential to become one of the versatile bigs that are dominating today’s NBA.
Vukčević had a late-season breakout, including a 28-point, 11-rebound, 5-assist performance in the finale. A.J. Johnson, acquired in a midseason trade, showed enough flashes to be part of the long-term equation as well.
The team culture, according to Dawkins, is beginning to take shape with strong camaraderie and work ethic forming the core of a new identity.
Players like Jordan Poole also played a pivotal leadership role during a bounce-back year, finishing with 20.5 points per game on career-best shooting splits. The Wizards may be at ground level, but they are building the right way, with patience, development, and a keen eye for talent.
The Road Ahead: Lottery Luck, Veteran Moves, and 2025 NBA Draft Implications
The next major checkpoint in Washington’s rebuild is the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on May 12. The Wizards finished the season 18-64 — second-worst in the league — securing 14% odds at the No. 1 pick and a 52.1% chance at a top-four selection.
While this late-season win over the Heat technically worsened their floor to a 20% chance of falling to No. 6, Washington still enters the lottery with one of the strongest statistical chances to land a top prospect like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper.
With additional first-round picks in both 2025 and 2026, Washington is poised to deepen its asset pool even further. Their rebuild began without a superstar trade package or a cupboard full of picks, making this organically-built youth movement even more impressive.
At the 2024 trade deadline, the front office pivoted decisively by trading veterans Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valančiūnas while bringing in Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, and multiple future picks, moves designed to infuse short-term mentorship and long-term cap flexibility.
The Wizards’ success moving forward hinges on two fronts: lottery fortune and internal growth. But the infrastructure now in place, led by high-upside young players, an aligned front office, and a clear development roadmap, puts the franchise on solid footing.
As Carrington boldly stated,
“Yes, and it’s not even close,”
when asked whether Washington has the NBA’s best young core. While it may not be a consensus truth just yet, it’s a vision the Wizards are steadily working to make real.
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