"The Washington Wizards have created a bit of a reputation for themselves over the last few offseasons. Washington has made it clear with the scouting that when it comes to the NBA Draft, they view potential higher than production. And if that's not the case, they've made it pretty hard to think otherwise considering their track record the last few years. Over the last five years, Washington has selected high in the first round of the NBA Draft."
"Washington has taken several swings on player that they feel could elevate them to the next level throughout this long rebuild. However, up to this point, they haven't found a player that can do that and it hasn't been very close either. The Wizards gave up on Deni Avdija seemingly too soon and now he looks poised to be a breakout star with the Portland Trail Blazers after his impressive season last year."
Washington’s recent draft approach prioritizes potential over college or international production, resulting in multiple high first-round selections since 2020. Notable picks include Deni Avdija (2020, No.9), Corey Kispert (2021, No.15), Johnny Davis (2022, No.10), Bilal Coulibaly (2023, No.7 via trade), and Alex Sarr (2024, No.2). That strategy has yielded mixed results: Avdija appears to be breaking out after leaving Washington, Kispert projects as a limited 3-and-D bench player, Davis is labeled a poor selection, Coulibaly has shown flashes but slow progress, and Sarr displayed both promise and concerning weaknesses as a rookie. Tre Johnson is described as possessing tools to become a cornerstone.
Read at Wiz of Awes
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