Post#63 » by awolfinwater » Wed Oct 22, 2025 6:52 pm
Posting this more for myself to look back on at end of season.
Team Level
Wins and losses don’t matter this season, except for ensuring we finish with a bottom-four record. Goal 1B is player development. I expect us to play harder on defense, minimize mistakes, and keep our margins of defeat smaller, hopefully finishing around a top-15 defense.
What excites me most about this team is the variety of tools in our toolbox. Each player brings something unique, and I’m eager to see how these tools sharpen one another over the course of the season. By the end of the year, I want to see a group that has learned how to use its pieces together, not just as individuals still finding their fit.
Predictions:
They were historically bad in net rating last year, and I expect them to be better but not by much.
Wins: 16
East Rank: 15
League Rank: 30
Pick: #2 (thank you, Phoenix, for the boost in odds)
Projected Player: Boozer or Peterson
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Individual Expectations
Alex Sarr
Expectations have been raised based on his brief preseason play. While I rarely agree with Drew Gooden, I completely agree that Sarr needs to get to the free throw line more often than he shoots threes this season. I want to see more aggression attacking the basket, better hands catching passes in the paint, and stronger finishing. A goal of 35 percent from three on four attempts per game feels right. On defense, I want continued versatility guarding the perimeter and using his length to deter shots and reduce opponent field goal attempts in the paint. Rebounding should also improve, from last year’s 17.9 percent defensive rebound rate to around 21 percent (Deni Avdija or Josh Giddey range).
Corey Kispert
I loved his aggressiveness against Detroit in the preseason. I want him to stay within the system while maintaining that same scoring mindset. If we can’t move him for a first-round pick to a contender, possibly Detroit, we should keep him. He’s a valuable glue guy and a great model for the younger players.
Tre Johnson
From a small sample size, he struggled with NBA physicality. He didn’t play well against Detroit or Toronto but showed flashes against New York. I expect him to grow more comfortable with the speed and contact as the year goes on. Shooting 38 percent or better from three and continuing to improve as an on-ball defender would be key steps. Most importantly, stay healthy and confident. He’ll figure it out with time.
Marvin Bagley
My sleeper pick for MVP off the bench. He’s a sleeping giant who could post a 15 and 10 stat line as our main backup big. Ideally, we re-sign him on a reasonable two-year deal with a team option.
Will Riley
The most tantalizing preseason prospect. I expected a full G League year, but he might already be too good for that. I want consistent effort on defense and continued offensive flashes within the team flow. My not-so-bold prediction is that he ends up better than Tre long-term.
Justin Champagnie
Continue playing solid defense, stay within the offense, and aim for 40 percent from three. I’m high on him and consider him our best returning player from last season. At 24, he could become a key rotation piece once we accelerate our rebuild.
AJ Johnson
Control is everything. He can blow by anyone but loses composure too often. Expect him in the G League. I’ve mostly written him off for now, but I’d love to be proven wrong. If he develops into a steady contributor, that would speak volumes about the Wizards’ development program. High potential, low confidence he reaches it.
Tristan Vukcevic
Tough to watch. He’ll help the tank. Offers flashes of offense but consistently hurts the team overall.
Kyshawn George
Like everyone else, I think he’s special. I’m excited to see where his ceiling goes. Of all players on this roster, he feels most likely to become an All-NBA player someday.
Bub Carrington
He still plays like the smallest player on the court despite his size. I want him to embrace his frame, attack the rim, and get to the free throw line. A jump to 37 percent or better from three would be big for his future. Funny how his game-winner may have cost us Ace Bailey. It’ll be fascinating to see how that looks in five years.
Khris and CJ
Expect one or both to be traded this season. I’m very high on CJ’s leadership and locker-room presence, and Khris’ story in the NBA is a valuable example for younger players. I’m glad we moved on from Kuzma to bring in real pros who help teach and develop the team. Prediction: we get a late 2026 or 2027 first-round pick for one of these two or CK.
Bilal Coulibaly
Last year, I thought he had the highest ceiling on the roster. He started strong in 2024 but lost his touch from three as defenses adjusted. Twenty-eight percent from deep won’t cut it. I expect a more efficient year overall while staying a defensive menace. Still a keeper, but if the shot doesn’t come, his rotation spot is at risk.
Cam Whitmore
Along with Kyshawn and Will Riley, he’s the player I’m most excited to watch. He might be the most powerful player the Wizards have ever had. My main concern was his tendency to dominate the ball, but he seemed almost too passive in the preseason. That might mean he’s listening to coaching, which is encouraging. I hope he finds the middle ground and thrives, because he can beat almost anyone one-on-one. Defensively, I need to see more. Whether it’s effort or conditioning, it has to improve. With all the wing depth, I hope Keefe rewards effort and holds players accountable when it’s missing.
