2025-26 Lineup Thread -- How's it shakin out?

[pcbothwel]

We have, amazingly, 12 guys on our roster from the last 3 draft classes: Bilal, Vuk, Cam, Martin, Sarr, Bub, Kyshaun, Ajay, Jones, Tre, Riley, & Watkins. Those guys plus Champagnie are the only ones I want to see this season.

McCollum, Middleton, Bagley, Kispert, Branham... I couldn't care less. They don't have to play at all as far as I'm concerned.

While the Cam & Middleton/AJ trade were good deals, I really think we are maxed out on ‘prospects’ at this point.

I hope any additional trades provide us with picks, not guys drafted in 23-25.

[nate33]

We have, amazingly, 12 guys on our roster from the last 3 draft classes: Bilal, Vuk, Cam, Martin, Sarr, Bub, Kyshaun, Ajay, Jones, Tre, Riley, & Watkins. Those guys plus Champagnie are the only ones I want to see this season.

McCollum, Middleton, Bagley, Kispert, Branham... I couldn't care less. They don't have to play at all as far as I'm concerned.

Of all of those young guys, the only one who has the handle and mindset to play PG is Bub. Bub can't play 48 minutes so I'm totally fine if McCollum gets some significant playing time to handle PG duties. But I agree with you on the rest of the vets. They don't need to play at all as far as I'm concerned.

Based on what we saw in Summer League, I'm not really all that interested in seeing that much of AJ or Dillon Jones either. Though if they play extremely well in garbage time, I'm okay with giving them some more burn if they earn it.

Over the first half of the season, I just want to see: Bub, Tre, Bilal, Cam, Champagnie, Kyshawn, Sarr and Vukcevic; plus a little of McCollum, Bagley and Middleton as necessary to provide leadership. Over the second half of the season, bench or trade the vets and let Riley, AJ and Watkins get some minutes too.

[payitforward]

Goes w/o saying that there are practicalities wch will result in vets getting floor time.

You're also right that our children's brigade doesn't include a "pure" PG prospect. Wd it be at all sensible, I wonder, to make a concerted effort to land Josh Giddey...?

[nate33]

Goes w/o saying that there are practicalities wch will result in vets getting floor time.

You're also right that our children's brigade doesn't include a "pure" PG prospect. Wd it be at all sensible, I wonder, to make a concerted effort to land Josh Giddey...?

I can't think of a trade that would interest Chicago unless it involved one of our developing wings going out (Bilal or Kyshawn). I'm assuming Cam is off the table because if Chicago wanted him (and if Cam wanted to play in Chicago) they probably would have made a bid when Houston was selling him.

The best case scenario is that Giddey decides to play for the qualifying offer and enter free agency next summer as an unrestricted free agent. We could just sign him outright then.

[joshuacf]

PIF is correct. McCollum is going to play and play a lot for as long as he's on the team. Even if you completely ignore the trade value angle, players of his caliber do not sit on the bench behind Bub Carrington's in the NBA. It just isn't how things work.

[nate33]

PIF is correct. McCollum is going to play and play a lot for as long as he's on the team. Even if you completely ignore the trade value angle, players of his caliber do not sit on the bench behind Bub Carrington's in the NBA. It just isn't how things work.

I'm not too worried about it. My guess is that Dawkins and McCollum have discussed the issue already and are basically on the same page, because Dawkins is an honest and straightforward negotiator.

Dawkins probably told McCollum that he would most likely start early in the season, but eventually, the team would shift to a player development focus, at which point, McCollum would be shopped in a trade. They have probably already agreed on what they would do if no trade materializes. Either McCollum will be bought out, or he has agreed to come off the bench over the second-half of the season.

[DCZards]

I'm on board with playing and featuring the youngsters, but I expect McCollum, Bagley, and Middleton to get quality minutes. I don't have a problem with that because I believe spending some time playing next to these vets can help--and not hinder--the development of the Zards first, second, and third year players.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I'm on board with playing and featuring the youngsters, but I expect McCollum, Bagley, and Middleton to get quality minutes. I don't have a problem with that because I believe spending some time playing next to these vets can help--and not hinder--the development of the Zards first, second, and third year players.

Right I expect CJ is essentially on the Valanciunas plan... Will start early, set the tone, educate by example for our Gs Bub & Tre especially as Jonas did with Sarr, then eventually start coming off the bench and/or is traded. Same for Middleton playing with the forwards especially Cam, Bilal, Kyshawn.

Kispert really seems like the odd man out. I just really don't see a place for him. He is just so bad defensively.

As far as the youth, IMO the rotation priorities are Sarr, Bub, Tre, Bilal, Cam, Kyshawn, Riley. I think I'd also like to see Champagnie, Watkins, and Tristan ahead of the rest of the bunch... AJ, Branham, D Jones.


Leaving out the vets, Middleton, CJ, Kispert, Bagley, this would be my ranking of the youth movement of the team...

1. Sarr
2. Tre
3. Bilal
4. Kyshawn
5. Cam
6. Bub
7. Riley
8. Champagnie
9. Watkins
10. Tristan
11. AJ
12. D.Jones
13. Branham


So generally speaking, post-deadline I'd be looking for an ideal top 10 rotation of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bilal, Tre, Bub. Then top subs off the bench with Tristan, Cam, Champagnie, Watkins, Riley.

[doclinkin]

Leaving out the vets, Middleton, CJ, Kispert, Bagley, this would be my ranking of the youth movement of the team...

1. Sarr
2. Tre
3. Bilal
4. Kyshawn
5. Cam
6. Bub
7. Riley
8. Champagnie
9. Watkins
10. Tristan
11. AJ
12. D.Jones
13. Branham


So generally speaking, post-deadline I'd be looking for an ideal top 10 rotation of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bilal, Tre, Bub. Then top subs off the bench with Tristan, Cam, Champagnie, Watkins, Riley.

Fair list order as of today.

I think Bub has a chance to climb the ladder, and as the only PG on this list will carry a larger role than Cam. Coach on the floor and emotional leader. His growth or lack will probably be a governor on the success of the team. Until the draft anyway.

I figure Tre will swiftly seize the top spot in billing and promotion, but agree that the development of Sarr is the most crucial to our long term success. He’s got the longest way to go to realize his considerable talent.

I think Bilal and Tre are the potential all stars of this talent pool. Tre simply by translating what he did in college to the NBA.

Whereas Bilal off talent alone may have the highest upside. Setting new stages for himself. New marks. New milestones. As a 2way player. Underrated star. With the potential to reach All defense or all-nba (3rd team?) if you credit the Kevin Broom youth/growth curve analysis.

Over time I think Riley has a chance to force his way into the conversation of most talented scorer on the team. But over time could mean 3 years.

Cam is going to score. He’ll be encouraged to go full throttle. If he’s benched it’s because he fails despite the green light. Inefficient or too inattentive on defense. Not because he lacks chances or touches. I’m curious if he and Bub develop chemistry that make them both look good. He’s the most likely candidate to fire up the crowd if he plays well. Him and AJJ.

AJJ really, I’ll live with him trying to learn to be a lead guard. Combo guard. He’s always going to be skinny. So guarding fast 1’s is probably the only place he sticks on defense. But he’s quick. Athletic. Fun to watch. He’ll give you ‘Popcorn’ minutes. Fun but you can’t live on a diet of popcorn.

Ultimately though I think this board and the analytics types are going to champion Kyshawn as the real hero of the squad. The glue. Indispensable to coaching staff. Frustrating to opponents on defense. +/- standout. The higher profile version of guys like Champagnie and Watkins. Role players who simply do the work of winning. KG as the starter version of a role player wing. 3&D plus playmaking.

We are going to struggle this year trying to blend all the youth. But there’s an interesting collection of talent. I think these young dawgs are going to have more fun than most rookie contract players. It’s basically a college team. Living out their dream in a fraternity of NBA talents. Nights when it works I think the joy will spread like wildfire. Fun for them and fun to watch.

[dobrojim]

Leaving out the vets, Middleton, CJ, Kispert, Bagley, this would be my ranking of the youth movement of the team...

1. Sarr
2. Tre
3. Bilal
4. Kyshawn
5. Cam
6. Bub
7. Riley
8. Champagnie
9. Watkins
10. Tristan
11. AJ
12. D.Jones
13. Branham


So generally speaking, post-deadline I'd be looking for an ideal top 10 rotation of Sarr, Kyshawn, Bilal, Tre, Bub. Then top subs off the bench with Tristan, Cam, Champagnie, Watkins, Riley.

Fair list order as of today.

I think Bub has a chance to climb the ladder and as the only PG on this list will carry a larger role than Cam. Coach on the floor and emotional leader. His growth or lack will probably be a governor on the success of the team. Until the draft anyway.

I figure Tre will swiftly seize the top spot in billing and promotion, but agree that the development of Sarr is the most crucial to our long term success. He’s got the longest way to go to realize his considerable talent.

I think Bilal and Tre are the potential all stars of this talent pool. Tre simply by translating what he did in college to the NBA.

Whereas Bilal off talent alone may have the highest upside. Setting new stages for himself. New marks. New milestones. As a 2way player. Underrated star. With the potential to reach All defense or all-nba (3rd team?) if you credit the Kevin Broom youth/growth curve analysis.

Over time I think Riley has a chance to force his way into the conversation of most talented scorer on the team. But over time could mean 3 years.

Cam is going to score. He’ll be encouraged to go full throttle. If he’s benched it’s because he fails despite the green light. Inefficient or too inattentive on defense. Not because he lacks chances or touches. I’m curious if he and Bub develop chemistry that make them both look good. He’s the most likely candidate to fire up the crowd if he plays well. Him and AJJ.

AJJ really, I’ll live with him trying to learn to be a lead guard. Combo guard. He’s always going to be skinny. So guarding fast 1’s is probably the only place he sticks on defense. But he’s quick. Athletic. Fun to watch. He’ll give you ‘Popcorn’ minutes. Fun but you can’t live on a diet of popcorn.

Ultimately though I think this board and the analytics types are going to champion Kyshawn as the real hero of the squad. The glue. Indispensable to coaching staff. Frustrating to opponents on defense. +/- standout. The higher profile version of guys like Champagnie and Watkins. Role players who simply do the work of winning. KG as the starter version of a role player wing. 3&D plus playmaking.

We are going to struggle this year trying to blend all the youth. But there’s an interesting collection of talent. I think these young dawgs are going to have more fun than most rookie contract players. It’s basically a college team. Living out their dream in a fraternity of NBA talents. Nights when it works I think the joy will spread like wildfire. Fun for them and fun to watch.

If the list were sorted by 24-25 PPA, Champagnie would lead the list, IIRC, since I think only Poole had a higher PPA
last year among 24-25 players.

Given the career curve that TSW describes, and Champagnie greater age, it is likely to be only
a matter of 1-2 seasons before considerable reshuffling of that list happens. At least that is the
assumption that Dawkins/Winger etal appear to be operating under.

One wonders if Champagnie can continue to improve as if he were 2-3 years younger. Perhaps unlikely
but not impossible.

[popper]

I'm really enjoying watching this team being assembled and developed. Can't wait for post 26 draft when we select another high pick and the tanking is finished. Shifting from purposeful losing to building a winning culture can't come soon enough.

I hope I'm still vertical and above room temperature to witness it.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

PIF is correct. McCollum is going to play and play a lot for as long as he's on the team. Even if you completely ignore the trade value angle, players of his caliber do not sit on the bench behind Bub Carrington's in the NBA. It just isn't how things work.

PIF is correct. McCollum is going to play and play a lot for as long as he's on the team. Even if you completely ignore the trade value angle, players of his caliber do not sit on the bench behind Bub Carrington's in the NBA. It just isn't how things work.

I'm not too worried about it. My guess is that Dawkins and McCollum have discussed the issue already and are basically on the same page, because Dawkins is an honest and straightforward negotiator.

Dawkins probably told McCollum that he would most likely start early in the season, but eventually, the team would shift to a player development focus, at which point, McCollum would be shopped in a trade. They have probably already agreed on what they would do if no trade materializes. Either McCollum will be bought out, or he has agreed to come off the bench over the second-half of the season.

McCollum averaged 21.1 points / 3.8 rebounds / 4.1 assists this past season.

I don't think a player like McCollum should expect to be benched and ruined on the Wizards.

I guess the plan is to force CJM to arrive at the same conclusion Marcus Smart did. Buy his way out or suffer

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'm really enjoying watching this team being assembled and developed. Can't wait for post 26 draft when we select another high pick and the tanking is finished. Shifting from purposeful losing to building a winning culture can't come soon enough.

I hope I'm still vertical and above room temperature to witness it.

I feel the same. I hope to see it.

i don't like the irony. "First you win, then you get good."

After the tanking, the team must transition into having a mediocre record. A record of 41-42 will become a high-water mark after years of tanking.

So, in 2028, we hope to be back where we were in 2017.

[TheBlackCzar]

I'm really enjoying watching this team being assembled and developed. Can't wait for post 26 draft when we select another high pick and the tanking is finished. Shifting from purposeful losing to building a winning culture can't come soon enough.

I hope I'm still vertical and above room temperature to witness it.

I feel the same. I hope to see it.

i don't like the irony. "First you win, then you get good."

After the tanking, the team must transition into having a mediocre record. A record of 41-42 will become a high-water mark after years of tanking.

So, in 2028, we hope to be back where we were in 2017.

The difference will be that the foundation being built will hopefully have us more like the Bullets with Webber and Juwan vs the Bulls, as oppose the Bradley Beal led barely floating franchise.... Same records but completely different trajectories....
And our talent accumulation should get better as theoretically players from year to year are going to continually improve.....
So that's where having so many additional picks, management that signs players preemptively and with vision, and talent development should all be colliding into a substantially different product than we've grown accustomed to since the 80's.....

We shall see, I'm excited to see it develop......

[doclinkin]

McCollum averaged 21.1 points / 3.8 rebounds / 4.1 assists this past season.

I don't think a player like McCollum should expect to be benched and ruined on the Wizards.

I guess the plan is to force CJM to arrive at the same conclusion Marcus Smart did. Buy his way out or suffer

No need. He’s an expiring contract and a productive player. Teams need both. We will play CJ until we can sell him. If we play too well we will emphasize development and bring him off the bench. But we are not dumping him for nothing.

Difference with Smart was there was no market for him. Nagging injuries and even at his best he was a defensive role player not a box score hero. CJ is a solid get for any team. Plus he will burn $30 mil off your books at the end of the year.