Trae Young says the Washington Wizards’ path to a 2027 NBA championship starts with something less flashy than a big-name roster: chemistry.
Young, who sees the Wizards as a team with veteran know-how and youthful athleticism, pointed to the group’s time together in Las Vegas as part of a larger push to change the culture. Speaking to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, he said the work has to happen both on and off the floor.
"I think this is just a part of the beginning of trying to turn a new chapter. You’ve got to build that chemistry on and off the court.
I’ve been on other teams, and we haven’t had this many people in Vegas for summer league at once. It’s just great to see all the older guys here supporting the younger guys.
That’s what it’s here for, and that’s what we’ve got to be here to do,"
The Wizards have all 12 of their players headed to watch AJ Dybantsa in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, with Young and veterans such as Anthony Davis helping lead the way. The full group includes Young, Davis, Cam Whitmore, Khris Middleton, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic, Bilal Coulibaly, Justin Champagnie, Deandre Ayton, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George.
Before Dybantsa takes part in tournament games, the Wizards are practicing together, giving the veterans a chance to stay involved while supporting the younger players’ development. That kind of full-team presence is not something seen often around the league.
For Young, that’s the point. If the Wizards keep building that kind of connection, they could put themselves on a track toward a championship and, eventually, something bigger.
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Wizards Make Abrupt Summer League Call After Fast Start
Washingtons Summer League run opened the way teams hope it will, with two straight wins and a handful of young players quickly making themselves part of the conversation. AJ Dybantsa led the way in scoring across those first two games, while Tre Johnson and Will Riley also gave the Wizards enough production to feel good about the early stretch in Las Vegas.
Now the focus shifts from evaluation to caution, with coach T.J. Sorrentine saying the club is making a change in how it handles the rest of the schedule. The next test comes against the Bulls, and Jamir Watkins is set to miss a second consecutive game as the Wizards weigh how much more they need to see from this group before the summer slate moves on. [Read more 🡒]
AJ Dybantsa Is Already Framing The Wizards' Future On Defense
AJ Dybantsa has spent his first stretch in a Wizards uniform making the kind of early impression that can shape how a franchise talks about its future. The first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has looked comfortable on both ends through two Summer League games, and Washingtons staff has already pointed to the defensive upside that comes with his size, length and movement. For a team trying to build something sustainable, that matters just as much as the scoring bursts.
Dybantsa has also had no shortage of veteran eyes on him along the way. During a minicamp in Las Vegas, established players including Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, Khris Middleton and Alex Sarr were among those around to help, giving the rookie a chance to absorb ideas from players who understand what it takes to stay on the floor and make an impact. The offense has been there, but the bigger question for Washington is how quickly his defense can become the kind of calling card that changes the tone around the roster. [Read more 🡒]