Kendrick Perkins is buying into the Washington Wizards in a big way for 2026-27.
On ESPN’s First Take, Perkins made the case that the Wizards are good enough to reach the playoffs and even climb into the top six in the Eastern Conference, leaning on the return of four-time All-Star Trae Young, a healthy Anthony Davis, and top prospect AJ Dybantsa.
“Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, and Anthony Marshawn Davis Jr. are going to make the playoffs this year,” Perkins said. “They're going to be a top-6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Here's why: People forget because Trae Young didn't play last year; he's a 20-and-10 guy, 20 points/10 assists. When you look at the length that they have on the floor between Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr, defensively, they're going to be a problem.
“Anthony Davis said he wants to play, and he's going to play 82 games. And damn it, I believe him.
And when Anthon Davis is available, he's a top 3 big in the NBA on both ends of the floor. So, when I look at the Wizards, I don't expect them to advance far in the playoffs.
A successful season is them making the playoffs. They're gonna do that.”
Stephen A. Smith wasn’t nearly as sold, especially on the idea of Davis staying on the floor for all 82 regular-season games.
“I give Anthony Davis about as much of a chance of playing every game this season as I give my hairline for moving two feet forward; it ain't gonna happen,” Smith said.
“Dammit I believe it.”@KendrickPerkins is hopeful that the Wizards will make the playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/1d44y1Zxgf
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 9, 2026
Davis already gave Washington a glimpse of what he can do in preseason action, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block in a 111-109 win over the New York Knicks. Young added 15 points, four assists, and two steals, while Dybantsa chipped in 11 points and four steals in his NBA debut.
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Ayton is not being asked to carry everything or force his way into a centerpiece role right away. Instead, this looks like a chance to lean into the parts of his game that can matter most for Washington: defensive rebounding, efficient scoring near the rim and giving the team a steadier option when the front line is short-handed. If he can settle into that lane, the Wizards could get more than just depth - they could get a player who helps them inch toward something closer to a turnaround. [Read more 🡒]