The Wizards appointed Brian Keefe as interim head coach on January 25th after a dismal 7-36 start, during which they had the worst defense in the NBA, allowing 122.4 points per 100 possessions, with a net rating of -10.3. Under Keefe, things improved slightly, with the defense allowing 118.6 points per 100 possessions (27th in the NBA), and a net rating of -9.0. Opponents also shot only 34.5% from 3, the second-best mark in the league. These small improvements were enough for the Wizards to remove the interim tag and make Keefe the head coach .It also didn’t hurt that this wasn’t the most desired job in the world.
Keefe deserves credit for getting the team to play harder, but his long-term future is uncertain. The Wizards are in the early stages of a full rebuild and are likely to keep losing, which could eventually cost Keefe his job. For now, his focus will be on developing young talent and fostering good habits in his players.
The most critical player for Washington is Alexandre Sarr, the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite a rough Summer League performance, where he averaged just 5.5 points per game and shot 19.1% from the field, Sarr remains a 7-foot center with quick feet and strong defensive instincts. He has the potential to be an excellent defender and, with his shooting confidence and ball-handling skills, he could develop into a versatile offensive player. His face-up game shows promise.
The Wizards also drafted Carlton “Bub” Carrington (14th pick) and Kyshawn George (24th pick). Carrington is a skilled on-ball creator with a knack for pull-up shooting. He should evolve into an instant-offense sixth man at the very least. George, a 6-foot-8 wing, is a reliable 3-point shooter with some ball-handling ability. His shooting prowess could earn him a spot in the rotation sooner rather than later.
Second-year wing Bilal Coulibaly will also play a significant role. Last season, he averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and had flashes as a two-way player with his combination of length and athleticism. After spending time with the French national team this summer, a big leap in Year 2 could be on the horizon. If the Wizards improve in the near future, it will likely be due to the development of Coulibaly and Sarr.
Washington still has some veteran presence, particularly Kyle Kuzma, who averaged a career-high 22.2 points per game last season. A capable scorer who thrives in transition and from beyond the arc, Kuzma will likely be the team’s top scorer again, though his defensive struggles can be frustrating. It also wouldn’t be surprising if the Wizards move him at the deadline. Teams have been calling about Kuzma for years.
Jordan Poole is another key player, though his first season with Washington was inconsistent. Poole averaged 17.4 points and 4.4 assists per game but shot just 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from 3. His efficiency remains an issue, and his defense is nonexistent.
Newcomers Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas bring experience and professionalism. Brogdon, while injury-prone, is a strong 3-point shooter and floor general. He’s set to miss a few games to start the season, but he shouldn’t be out long. Valanciunas remains a force in the paint and on the boards. Both will provide stability to a young and inconsistent roster.
Corey Kispert, entering his fourth year with the Wizards, is another valuable piece. A 38.3% 3-point shooter on 6.0 attempts per game, his floor-spacing and off-ball movement are vital for the team’s offensive flow.
However, Washington’s biggest problem is the lack of strong defenders throughout the roster. While Coulibaly and Sarr have defensive potential, they are too young to be relied upon consistently. Additionally, the team lacks efficient offensive players.
Overall, the Wizards are a team low on talent and structure, making them likely to remain near the bottom of the league until significant changes are made.
Wizards Win Total Prediction
If you’re thinking this total is too low for an Under, just know that somebody has won 20 or fewer games in each of the last six seasons. Last season, two teams failed to win 21 games, and one of them was this Washington squad. Losing Deni Avdija and Tyus Jones might not be huge blows because of the additions of Valanciunas and Brogdon, and the Wizards did add more talent than anyone in the 2024 NBA Draft. But this is still a team that is lacking in talent, motivation and identity, making it hard to expect a respectable season.
Lean: Under 21.5 Wins (-140)
