As the Washington Wizards head into the 2024-2025 NBA season, the team is poised for a fresh start. With a blend of young talent and experienced veterans, the Wizards are looking to carve out a competitive identity in a tough Eastern Conference. With a renewed coaching staff emphasizing player development, the Wizards will focus on building a cohesive unit that prioritizes defense and ball movement. The new GM Will Dawkins has done a great job turned the team around and acquiring the athleticism of the team.
Expect to see an uptempo style that maximizes their athleticism while fostering a culture of accountability by veterans Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole as they both look to have more efficient seasons. The wizards spent all off-season acquiring new talent led by No. 2 overall pick in this past draft, Alex Sarr.
Sarr is a talented young basketball player, known for his impressive skills and potential. Born in 2004 in France, he gained attention as a prospect for his height, athleticism, and versatility on the court, playing primarily as a center he is looking to be the next star in D.C.
The Wizards started draft night by trading their rising star Deni Avdija to the Portland Trailblazers for Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th overall pick in the draft, which they used on shifty combo guard Carlton “Bub” Carrington. They rounded the night out by drafting a knockdown shooter, forward KyShawn George.
In free agency, the Wizards signed hometown native Saddiq Bey, who played basketball and ran cross country at DeMatha early in his high school career. Jonas Valanciunas, a European big man, was brought in to help out the rebounding department which was low last year.
The projected starting lineup is Jordan Poole, Billal Coulibaly, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Sarr, and Jonas Valanciunas. Other key contributes consist of rookies Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, knockdown shooter Corey Kispert, and big men Marvin Bagley III and Richuan Holmes.
After a disappointing 15-67 season last year, the young promising wizards look to grow, create plays, and make each other better for this season. Their first game is will be on October 24 against the defending champion Boston Celtics with a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.