The Wizards are finally done tanking. Now comes the fun part.
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AJ Dybantsa, Trae Young and Anthony Davis combine to give the Wizards expectations this season. Photo: Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
This has been a Wizards-forward space lately. And I know what you're thinking: Again with the Wizards?
- Yes, again with the Wizards.
Why it matters: After years of intentionally being one of the NBA's worst teams, the Wizards are entering a season in which they're actually trying to win.
- We're about to find out if all that manufactured misery was worth it.
By the numbers: Winning 50 games in a season is a common benchmark for a strong NBA team. The Wizards haven't done that since 1978-79.
- They've won just 50 games combined over the past three seasons.
Then, consider:
- Since the start of the century, they've had the league's worst record.
- Last season, they allowed an opposing player to score 83 points in a game.
- Washington — and others — tanked so brazenly the NBA changed its draft lottery rules.
The big picture: The losing — at least the most recent of it — was by design. When top executive Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins took control in 2023, they tore down a flawed roster and started from scratch.
- Their intentions were about as well disguised as a pair of Groucho glasses. 🥸
"We've all, in a way, been held back just because … we were trying to get AJ Dybantsa," guard Bub Carrington told WUSA9. "That's no secret. But now, no one has handcuffs. Everyone's shackles-free."
Yes, but: With Dybantsa, Trae Young and Anthony Davis, the Wizards finally have something new: expectations.
- Sportsbooks still project a losing record — but at least a respectable one.
Four big questions as the season begins Wednesday night:
Anthony Davis: Will the 10-time All-Star, who turns 34 this season, stay healthy and stick around?
- He wants a long-term extension, but the front office appears hesitant.
Trae Young: Is he worth $212 million? Young's four-year extension drew widespread criticism, largely because of his defensive shortcomings.
- But he's a gifted playmaker who's averaged 25 points and 10 assists throughout his career.
The young core: Will Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson and Will Riley flourish alongside better players — or struggle with fewer touches and higher-stakes games?
AJ Dybantsa: Did the Wizards get their guy?
- Whether he becomes a superstar could define this front office's tenure.
- Dybantsa will not play in the season opener after hurting his ankle in the preseason. He's considered day-to-day.
The bottom line: The Wizards have mastered losing. Now comes the harder part: figuring out how to win.
What's next: They open the season with a pair of home games — Wednesday night vs. the Bucks and Friday vs. the Raptors.