NBA

10 things I think I think about the 2026-27 Washington Wizards

October 8, 2026

The Washington Wizards enter the 2026-27 season with a mix of established stars and promising young talent poised to elevate their performance. Trae Young, a masterful playmaker, is expected to reclaim his spot as the NBA’s assists leader for the second time in his career, leveraging his unmatched court vision to develop his younger teammates.

Anthony Davis, a defensive powerhouse with four prior top-five finishes for Defensive Player of the Year, could push Washington toward a major defensive upgrade, even if his consistency has fluctuated. Meanwhile, rookie AJ Dybantsa is projected to deliver an immediate impact, averaging at least 15 points and 6 rebounds per game—a benchmark matched by only a handful of rookies in the last decade, many of whom became franchise cornerstones.

The frontcourt depth could also see a shift, with Kyshawn George potentially securing the starting backcourt role despite past concerns over turnovers and fouling, while Alex Sarr’s growth trajectory suggests he may soon join the elite tier of young forwards in the league. However, the team faces a tough decision with Bilal Coulibaly, whose defensive potential and athleticism may not outweigh his struggles with turnovers and erratic shooting, leading to speculation he could be traded before the February 2027 deadline.

With Brian Keefe still at the helm, the Wizards aim to build on their core while navigating these roster challenges to push for playoff contention.