This season has been a beacon of hope for the Washington Wizards, showcasing a promising future for several reasons.
The Wizards have witnessed significant growth from second-year players Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George. Adding to the excitement, first-round picks Tre Johnson and Will Riley have shown plenty of potential, offering glimpses of their talent on the court.
Moreover, the team’s depth has been bolstered by second-round picks Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins, both of whom have earned standard contracts, enriching the roster even further.
And let's not forget the blockbuster acquisitions of four-time All-Star Trae Young and future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis just before the NBA trade deadline, adding star power to the lineup.
Yet, even with these optimistic strides, the Wizards are reminded of past decisions that still echo today. Deni Avdija, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, has emerged as an NBA All-Star, posting impressive averages of 24.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. His shooting splits of 46.3% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc highlight his growth.
Adding to this reflection is the rise of Ryan Rollins, who has been spotlighted by Bleacher Report as the most underrated player in the NBA. Rollins’ journey has been anything but straightforward.
After a brief stint in Washington, he found his footing with the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, averaging 17.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 47% from the field and 41.8% from three-point range, Rollins has become a standout backcourt player in the league.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz notes that while Rollins might not be a household name outside of Milwaukee or Toledo, his impact as the Bucks' third-leading scorer and elite three-point shooter is undeniable.
Rollins’ success story is a testament to his talent and perseverance. As the Wizards enjoy a strengthened backcourt with Young, Rollins’ rise in the East serves as a reminder of what might have been, leaving fans to ponder how his potential could have unfolded in Washington.