2025 Offseason

[nate33]

The Wizard's management is making some very creative moves but what will the final product look like? Training camp will be very competitive and challenging. The Wizards have a bundle of talented players. The forward positions are loaded with skilled players who will be contending for 3/4/5 positions on the active roster.

The guard positions are not as strong of an asset but have good players CJ McCullum, Tre Johnson, and Bud Carrington with Bilal Coulibaly. These players have a high level of skills, but the leadership is best from CJ McCullum. Tre Johnson is still unknown at the NBA level does he get better and get a starting position. What was accomplished in the summer league is not a guarantee for success in the NBA?

I expect Tre Johnson to swiftly show why he was the right pick. The only questions I have on him relate to his defense/physical strength, and therefore whether he’s playable with Bub long term. But I’d bet Tre’s shooting wins him the starting job in preseason. Then it’s just a matter of whether they want to bring the veteran CJ in off the bench or if they want him to set the tone as the starting Point.

And yeah. Lead ball handling guard is still a question that I hope Bub answers this year. We have secondary playmakers but not a true offensive initiator to conduct the team. I think the same way they tried Kyshawn in the role, they might audition Tre and even Will Riley as potential 1’s. Dawkins loves the option to go big at every spot. At 6’4”
Bub is big for a PG but next to the 6’5” Tre we’re not dominant and long. But everybody moving over a slot makes us huge.

1G. (CJ 6’3”). Bub 6’4”. Tre 6’5”. Riley 6’8”.
2G. Tre 6’5”. AJJ 6’5”. Riley 6’8”.
2/3. JC 6’6”. (KMidd 6’7”). Cam 6’7”. Kispert 6’7”. Watkins 6’7”. Bilal 6’8”. Kyshawn 6’8”.
3/4. Bilal 6’8”. Kyshawn 6’8+”.
4/5. Vuk 7’. Sarr 7’
C. Sarr.

As an experiment I want to see Cam at 2. Riley at 1.

Now what will the coaching staff do for 2025-2026? Dawkins has done the job supplying the coaching staff with very good players. The next steps are critical who are your core players, bench personnel. Players who show potential is there development in the G league or they can be traded for future assets. This is a good scenario for the Wizards if all the pieces fall into the right places. Can the Wizard's Management keep it together?

Roster construction wise, aside from growth and development, I think we are a dominant rebounder away from having a solid team. I’d like to see that guy in a solid 4/5 type who is an intimidating defender in the paint. Especially with a decent high post game in passing and shooting out the midrange.

This despite that Sarr is opening my eyes in his Euro play, adding a package of hook shots on the fly to replace those weak fading jumpers in the midrange. I still think his instincts are as a forward. But it’s good to see his growth in the front court. Except he got injured. His body isn’t ready for the pounding at C.

I still want a monster in the middle. Or at least a strong power 4. Give me Boozer and I think I’m happy.

I'm not as worried about finding dominant rebounder. I think as everyone gets a little stronger, and after acquiring a veteran backup center with real size (Mitchell Robinson is a free agent), the rebounding will be adequate. I'd rather roll with length, speed, skill and shooting at the wing positions than sacrifice those qualities for big goon at PF. Whatever we lose in rebounding at the 4 and 5 positions we can make up by being huge at 1, 2 and 3.

For me, I think the missing link is still a star PG - preferably one with size. We need a Cade Cunningham type of player. Hopefully, that's Darryn Peterson, or maybe we trade our top 5 pick on draft day for Dylan Harper. I want to see a future lineup that looks like this:

PG Peterson/Bub
SG Tre/Riley
SF Bilal/Champagnie
PF Kyshawn/Cam
C Sarr/Robinson

Maybe, it will eventually be necessary to trade one of our small forwards for a true power forward, but I think that's an easy to make move down the line. The critical step is to find that defense-bending primary initiator first.

[payitforward]

Difficult to know how far along we really are. Now, if the picture drawn above turns out to be accurate -- meaning that every move we've made so far pays off (& we get Peterson in the Phoenix swap) -- well... wow!

But, of course, every one of these choices is an independent variable, & a few of them may not top out at what we see is their optimum. Gotta be patient & see what unfolds.

At the same time, just based on what we can see & the bits of the future that we are able to project, there's plenty of reason for good feelings about the rebuild process so far!

Go Wiz!

[doclinkin]

I'm not as worried about finding dominant rebounder. I think as everyone gets a little stronger, and after acquiring a veteran backup center with real size (Mitchell Robinson is a free agent), the rebounding will be adequate. I'd rather roll with length, speed, skill and shooting at the wing positions than sacrifice those qualities for big goon at PF. Whatever we lose in rebounding at the 4 and 5 positions we can make up by being huge at 1, 2 and 3.

…
I want to see a future lineup that looks like this:

PG Peterson/Bub
SG Tre/Riley
SF Bilal/Champagnie
PF Kyshawn/Cam
C Sarr/Robinson

But why give up size at any position. I know the new cliche is that there is no such thing as a PF so it’s fine to skimp on size. I just don’t think our front office sees it that way. They’re the acolytes of Positional Length. I think I agree.

Cam Whitmore is solid, but underlong in the front court. If he can play at 2guard though he’s too strong to be stopped. Let’s give ourselves advantage at every position not have a slot we have to cover up. Let’s put the guys we have in position to excel with what they already do, not merely hope they get better.

In the front court I’m not looking for a goon, but a skilled player with muscle. A screen setter who passes and can hit a jumper from the high post as well as bang down low. Thomas Sorber this past draft. But Horford. Bam. Marc Gasol. I liked Maluach for the upside of his smarts, not solely for his gigantitude. Likewise I like Cam Boozer.

This is from a year ago as 17 yr old:

Watch on YouTube

Instant veteran. Frame to add muscle and power.

For me, I think the missing link is still a star PG - preferably one with size. We need a Cade Cunningham type of player. Hopefully, that's Darryn Peterson, or maybe we trade our top 5 pick on draft day for Dylan Harper.
Maybe, it will eventually be necessary to trade one of our small forwards for a true power forward, but I think that's an easy to make move down the line. The critical step is to find that defense-bending primary initiator first.

Actually I think Tre Johnson may become the primary initiator. He’s too good with the ball to play him full time off the ball. Yes he’s also good off the ball, but putting it in his hands forces teams to adjust. I think they’ll test him out as a SGA type lead ball handler.

At 6’5” he’s “sm’average” for a 2-guard. But he’s lengthy as a 1. Suddenly our defense starts big and stays long across the line. If they’re trying AJJ at that slot I have no doubt they want to see Tre there.

But if we’re looking for a long PG I actually like Nate Ament in this draft. 6’10” as he is I’d play him at PG.

[nate33]

But why give up size at any position.

Because one elite defense bender is more valuable than across-the-board size advantage at each position (with no defense bender).

Put it this way, if we are picking #2 in the upcoming draft, and Dybantsa was off the board, would you take Boozer or Peterson?

I'd take take Peterson. If we want more size afterwards, then make a trade where we give up one of our small forwards (Bilal, Kyshawn, Whitmore) for a bigger forward.

A guy like Avdija would fit nicely.

[doclinkin]

I'd take take Peterson. If we want more size afterwards, then make a trade where we give up one of our small forwards (Bilal, Kyshawn, Whitmore) for a bigger forward.

Or simply draft one lower down since this skill set is still undervalued.

I’m okay with that. I want the option of going big and preserving Sarr from the wear and tear that comes from banging underneath. Get me a proficient rebounder who comes into the league knowing low post skills. Screening. Pick and roll play. Passing out of the mid post. High post. Draft an upperclassman or a Euro player with a late pick.

If I’m daydreaming about improvement though it’s about Bilal developing the skill to play the 2. Not about playing Whitmore as a power 4. I want to be the only team in the league that can effectively guard the 3pt shot. I want to be able to go huge on the outside and afford to play one guy in the middle to rebound and challenge drives. Game the current system in our favor.

[doclinkin]

On Cam ‘Bruiser’ I’m mostly saying I’m fine if we slip a bit and he’s the best available at our spot. We’d be nasty.

[nate33]

I'd take take Peterson. If we want more size afterwards, then make a trade where we give up one of our small forwards (Bilal, Kyshawn, Whitmore) for a bigger forward.

Or simply draft one lower down since this skill set is still undervalued.

I’m okay with that. I want the option of going big and preserving Sarr from the wear and tear that comes from banging underneath. Get me a proficient rebounder who comes into the league knowing low post skills. Screening. Pick and roll play. Passing out of the mid post. High post. Draft an upperclassman or a Euro player with a late pick.

If I’m daydreaming about improvement though it’s about Bilal developing the skill to play the 2. Not about playing Whitmore as a power 4. I want to be the only team in the league that can effectively guard the 3pt shot. If we can go huge on the outside and afford to play one guy in the middle to rebound and challenge drives I’m good with that.

I'm definitely intrigued with lineups featuring huge SG's like Riley or Whitmore. But that's going to require one of Tre, Bilal or Kyshawn to make a leap and become a primary ballhandler, good enough to get us into our sets. That's not a sure thing - particularly with this latest wrinkle we are seeing from defenses that apply full court pressure on guards to eat seconds off the shot clock.

[doclinkin]

I'm definitely intrigued with lineups featuring huge SG's like Riley or Whitmore. But that's going to require one of Tre, Bilal or Kyshawn to make a leap and become a primary ballhandler, good enough to get us into our sets. That's not a sure thing - particularly with this latest wrinkle we are seeing from defenses that apply full court pressure on guards to eat seconds off the shot clock.

Tre in my estimation. But I actually think Will Riley may develop to a primary ballhandler and set up man. He says playmaking is a focus and underrated skill of his. He sure has a remarkable handle for a guy 6’8”

Watch on YouTube

[nate33]

I'm definitely intrigued with lineups featuring huge SG's like Riley or Whitmore. But that's going to require one of Tre, Bilal or Kyshawn to make a leap and become a primary ballhandler, good enough to get us into our sets. That's not a sure thing - particularly with this latest wrinkle we are seeing from defenses that apply full court pressure on guards to eat seconds off the shot clock.

Tre in my estimation. But I actually think Will Riley may develop to a primary ballhandler and set up man. He says playmaking is a focus and underrated skill of his. He sure has a remarkable handle for a guy 6’8”

Watch on YouTube

Man, Riley really is shifty with the ball. He reminds me a little of Doncic in that it seems like he is moving slowly, but somehow he just knows how to get a step on his man. He just makes a subtle fake with his shoulders or eyes, and the next thing you know, the defender is on Riley's hip and it's over.

[tontoz]

Riley definitely has the skills already. The big question mark is how well he fills out.

It was funny how I started watching Illinois to check out Kasparas and kept thinking what's up with this Riley guy.

[doclinkin]

Man, Riley really is shifty with the ball. He reminds me a little of Doncic in that it seems like he is moving slowly, but somehow he just knows how to get a step on his man. He just makes a subtle fake with his shoulders or eyes, and the next thing you know, the defender is on Riley's hip and it's over.

Right? He’s reading the space between defenders. That’s why I believe him when he says his playmaking skills are only on stealth mode right now. His ball control and body control suggest he can play guard, but his read/react skills are what make me think he’s got Point capability.

So here’s another one where if you play him at Forward he’s a defensive liability. Short arms, too skinny. But at guard he’s tall enough that he can play off a guy a little and still contest the jumper. Not great foot speed. Literally terrible defense in college. But as the game slows down for him he should be able to anticipate and make reads on defense as well as offense.

[closg00]

3 untouchable Wiz players, I’m not convinced that Bub is untouchable, and Bilal isn’t on the list. FWIW article.
https://www.si.com/nba/wizards/washington-wizards-news/three-untouchable-players-washington-wizards-roster

[nate33]

3 untouchable Wiz players, I’m not convinced that Bub is untouchable, and Bilal isn’t on the list. FWIW article.
https://www.si.com/nba/wizards/washington-wizards-news/three-untouchable-players-washington-wizards-roster

Agreed. Sarr and Tre are likely untouchable, but not Bub. I'd say both Bilal and Kyshawn are valued higher than Bub.

That article was written by some low level, Chicago-based sportswriter who does not appear to be on the regular payroll of any publication. I'd take it with a grain of salt.

The only way one could argue that Bub is more "untouchable" is due to positional redundancy. We have a bunch of SF's on the roster, so maybe one of Bilal, Kyshawn or Cam could be moved in a deal for a really good young player at a position of greater need. But those types of deals are really rare when dealing with young players.

[payitforward]

I've been meaning to mention the following for a while...

We missed a cheap opportunity this Summer when Portland did not extend Jabari Walker & the Sixers inked him to a 2-way contract.

Only 22, this kid is quite good. Not a star & not ideal but extremely productive every time he's on the floor -- & fits our timeline pretty well.

I'll be watching to see how many minutes he earns with Philly.

Look at his per 40 minutes in '23-4 & last year: kid's good.

Not making more of this than it deserves. Can take another look as time passes. Meanwhile, this is "early September content" is all....

[payitforward]

With 16 regular roster players under contract, there will clearly be one more move this month. What will it be?

1. Will we simply cut a player & eat his salary? If so, the only 2 candidates I see are Malakhi Branham & Dillon Jones. Of the two, Branham would seem the more likely guy to cut -- or, does someone disagree?

2. Will we make a trade -- either sending out 2 & taking back 1 or sending out 1 & taking back someone we can cut plus some draft capital?

Middleton is certainly tradable. Ditto McCollum. Is Branham tradable? Hard to see it....

3. Seems likely to me that we've been checking around the league to find out what anyone would give for Kispert. A player we can cut plus some draft capital would seem to be what we'd be looking for.

4. Is there a useful deal where we send out 2 guys & take back 1? E.g. Kispert & Middleton for....?

Thoughts anyone?

[nate33]

With 16 regular roster players under contract, there will clearly be one more move this month. What will it be?

1. Will we simply cut a player & eat his salary? If so, the only 2 candidates I see are Malakhi Branham & Dillon Jones. Of the two, Branham would seem the more likely guy to cut -- or, does someone disagree?

2. Will we make a trade -- either sending out 2 & taking back 1 or sending out 1 & taking back someone we can cut plus some draft capital?

Middleton is certainly tradable. Ditto McCollum. Is Branham tradable? Hard to see it....

3. Seems likely to me that we've been checking around the league to find out what anyone would give for Kispert. A player we can cut plus some draft capital would seem to be what we'd be looking for.

4. Is there a useful deal where we send out 2 guys & take back 1? E.g. Kispert & Middleton for....?

Thoughts anyone?

Neither McCollum nor Branham can be packaged with other players in any trade until September 9th. My guess is that they haven't cut Branham yet because they are waiting until the 9th when they will have more flexibility. Maybe there's a trade where they can trade away two players and get back one.

If, after days after the 9th, they are unable to put together a deal, my guess is that they will cut Branham.

[payitforward]

That seems right, & if others figure you'll cut a guy if you can't trade him, they are as likely to call his agent with their intentions as they are to pay anything for him....

Still... we'll see.

[Dat2U]

The Wizard's management is making some very creative moves but what will the final product look like? Training camp will be very competitive and challenging. The Wizards have a bundle of talented players. The forward positions are loaded with skilled players who will be contending for 3/4/5 positions on the active roster.

The guard positions are not as strong of an asset but have good players CJ McCullum, Tre Johnson, and Bud Carrington with Bilal Coulibaly. These players have a high level of skills, but the leadership is best from CJ McCullum. Tre Johnson is still unknown at the NBA level does he get better and get a starting position. What was accomplished in the summer league is not a guarantee for success in the NBA?

I expect Tre Johnson to swiftly show why he was the right pick. The only questions I have on him relate to his defense/physical strength, and therefore whether he’s playable with Bub long term. But I’d bet Tre’s shooting wins him the starting job in preseason. Then it’s just a matter of whether they want to bring the veteran CJ in off the bench or if they want him to set the tone as the starting Point.

And yeah. Lead ball handling guard is still a question that I hope Bub answers this year. We have secondary playmakers but not a true offensive initiator to conduct the team. I think the same way they tried Kyshawn in the role, they might audition Tre and even Will Riley as potential 1’s. Dawkins loves the option to go big at every spot. At 6’4”
Bub is big for a PG but next to the 6’5” Tre we’re not dominant and long. But everybody moving over a slot makes us huge.

1G. (CJ 6’3”). Bub 6’4”. Tre 6’5”. Riley 6’8”.
2G. Tre 6’5”. AJJ 6’5”. Riley 6’8”.
2/3. JC 6’6”. (KMidd 6’7”). Cam 6’7”. Kispert 6’7”. Watkins 6’7”. Bilal 6’8”. Kyshawn 6’8”.
3/4. Bilal 6’8”. Kyshawn 6’8+”.
4/5. Vuk 7’. Sarr 7’
C. Sarr.

As an experiment I want to see Cam at 2. Riley at 1.

Now what will the coaching staff do for 2025-2026? Dawkins has done the job supplying the coaching staff with very good players. The next steps are critical who are your core players, bench personnel. Players who show potential is there development in the G league or they can be traded for future assets. This is a good scenario for the Wizards if all the pieces fall into the right places. Can the Wizard's Management keep it together?

Roster construction wise, aside from growth and development, I think we are a dominant rebounder away from having a solid team. I’d like to see that guy in a solid 4/5 type who is an intimidating defender in the paint. Especially with a decent high post game in passing and shooting out the midrange.

This despite that Sarr is opening my eyes in his Euro play, adding a package of hook shots on the fly to replace those weak fading jumpers in the midrange. I still think his instincts are as a forward. But it’s good to see his growth in the front court. Except he got injured. His body isn’t ready for the pounding at C.

I still want a monster in the middle. Or at least a strong power 4. Give me Boozer and I think I’m happy.

I'm not as worried about finding dominant rebounder. I think as everyone gets a little stronger, and after acquiring a veteran backup center with real size (Mitchell Robinson is a free agent), the rebounding will be adequate. I'd rather roll with length, speed, skill and shooting at the wing positions than sacrifice those qualities for big goon at PF. Whatever we lose in rebounding at the 4 and 5 positions we can make up by being huge at 1, 2 and 3.

For me, I think the missing link is still a star PG - preferably one with size. We need a Cade Cunningham type of player. Hopefully, that's Darryn Peterson, or maybe we trade our top 5 pick on draft day for Dylan Harper. I want to see a future lineup that looks like this:

PG Peterson/Bub
SG Tre/Riley
SF Bilal/Champagnie
PF Kyshawn/Cam
C Sarr/Robinson

Maybe, it will eventually be necessary to trade one of our small forwards for a true power forward, but I think that's an easy to make move down the line. The critical step is to find that defense-bending primary initiator first.

Look at OKC.

They added Hartenstein so they could go big when needed but their core is:

Holmgren - a 7-0 ft twig playing C. Lacks strength but makes up for it with toughness. A bit of an injury risk.

Jalen Williams - a 6-6 guard masquerading at PF most of the time. Freakish wingspan gives him the ability to play bigger.

Alex Caruso - 6-5 wing who guards 5 positions lol. Spent time on Jokic. Probably best wing defender in basketball.

Lu Dort - 6-4 wing who guards multiple positions as well. Brings physicality.

Aaron Wiggins, a 6-6 wing who they use at anywhere from the 2 to the 4.

Isaiah Joe - 6-4 guard. High IQ player who makes the right plays. Not an athlete or has great size.

SGA - 6-6. The only guy that's big for his position.

Cason Wallace - 6-3. Hard-nosed backup.

So they seem to rely more on physicality and high IQ vs elite length or size at their position. This idea that the OKC model is solely focused on finding length guys, outsized at their positions not really correct. Kyshawn appears to fit the OKC model to a tee.

[doclinkin]

I still want a monster in the middle. Or at least a strong power 4. Give me Boozer and I think I’m happy.

I'm not as worried about finding dominant rebounder. I think as everyone gets a little stronger, and after acquiring a veteran backup center with real size (Mitchell Robinson is a free agent), the rebounding will be adequate.

Look at OKC.

They added Hartenstein so they could go big when needed but their core is:

Holmgren - a 7-0 ft twig playing C. Lacks strength but makes up for it with toughness. A bit of an injury risk.

And we just saw Sarr go down in France when charged with playing C full time. Until his body is sturdy enough to handle it I want to see him play the 4 part of a 4/5.

I agree that we want to recruit smarts but I don’t know that teams will be able to replicate the OKC model where they’ve given up on rebounding.

Adding both muscle and smarts seems a better way to maximize the strengths we do have. Give me another skilled 4/5 who can switch in and out with Alex. High post passer. Jump shooter. Sturdy enough to play in the middle and skilled enough to play above the FT line.

Horford. Bam. Sorber. A bigger version of Collin Murray Boyles. In FIBA play Sarr played better but still shies away from contact. That said he’s remarkable at playing defense from the outside in. Covers every single position, often in a single possession. He just doesn’t rebound and has bad hands, especially in traffic. Why start the team with that as a disability instead of a strength.

I don’t disagree we need an offensive initiator. And given that they come at a premium it’d be hard to pass one up if we can get one in the high lotto. Especially one with size, as this year’s draft looks like it’s stocked with. Dybantsa. Ament. Peterson.

But a smart solid skilled big is about as rare. With the difference being that nowadays bigs stay in school longer so they develop skill and may be available with a late pick as an upperclassman.

I expect Tre Johnson to show out as a force-the-action offensive player. I want him to also be able to play off the ball so don’t mind if we land another omega scorer. Last shot late game answer.

I just know this team is poised to surge as soon as we get a smart skilled rebounder/screener/passer in the middle. Hartenstein is a great example as a guy who is a savvy passer for for a big guy. High IQ for all his apparent thug game. Not just a stiff.

[Dat2U]

I'm not as worried about finding dominant rebounder. I think as everyone gets a little stronger, and after acquiring a veteran backup center with real size (Mitchell Robinson is a free agent), the rebounding will be adequate.

Look at OKC.

They added Hartenstein so they could go big when needed but their core is:

Holmgren - a 7-0 ft twig playing C. Lacks strength but makes up for it with toughness. A bit of an injury risk.

And we just saw Sarr go down in France when charged with playing C full time. Until his body is sturdy enough to handle it I want to see him play the 4 part of a 4/5.

I agree that we want to recruit smarts but I don’t know that teams will be able to replicate the OKC model where they’ve given up on rebounding.

Adding both muscle and smarts seems a better way to maximize the strengths we do have. Give me another skilled 4/5 who can switch in and out with Alex. High post passer. Jump shooter. Sturdy enough to play in the middle and skilled enough to play above the FT line.

Horford. Bam. Sorber. A bigger version of Collin Murray Boyles. In FIBA play Sarr played better but still shies away from contact. That said he’s remarkable at playing defense from the outside in. Covers every single position, often in a single possession. He just doesn’t rebound and has bad hands, especially in traffic. Why start the team with that as a disability instead of a strength.

I don’t disagree we need an offensive initiator. And given that they come at a premium it’d be hard to pass one up if we can get one in the high lotto. Especially one with size, as this year’s draft looks like it’s stocked with. Dybantsa. Ament. Peterson.

But a smart solid skilled big is about as rare. With the difference being that nowadays bigs stay in school longer so they develop skill and may be available with a late pick as an upperclassman.

I expect Tre Johnson to show out as a force-the-action offensive player. I want him to also be able to play off the ball so don’t mind if we land another omega scorer. Last shot late game answer.

I just know this team is poised to surge as soon as we get a smart skilled rebounder/screener/passer in the middle. Hartenstein is a great example as a guy who is a savvy passer for for a big guy. High IQ for all his apparent thug game. Not just a stiff.

Oh I agree, Hartenstein is a perfect protype of what I'd like to add a year down the road. I just think Sarr's best position is C - injury risk or not & Holmgren has already missed large chunks of time with OKC. I think its something we have to live with. I can see Sarr eventually sliding over to PF in spurts but for him to really execute his offensive skillset to the best of his ability, he needs the bulk of his minutes at C.