Washington Wizards: A Glimpse of the Future with Trae Young
In the heart of Washington, D.C., the Wizards are navigating a challenging season, holding the NBA's second-longest losing streak at 12 games and the second-worst record at 16-51. Despite the struggles, there's a beacon of hope in four-time All-Star Trae Young, hinting at a brighter future.
Young's impact is palpable. "Yeah, he’s an amazing player," a young teammate remarked.
I asked Will Riley how Trae Young has affected him as a player and the offense in general:
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) March 17, 2026
“Yeah, he’s an amazing player. It’s crazy to see it in person, used to watch him all the time. Seeing the reads he makes, the amount of attention he brings. With the attention he brings,… pic.twitter.com/43TLFAsX4v
"Seeing the reads he makes, the attention he draws-it opens up so many opportunities for everybody. He’s not just a great player but also an amazing person and teammate."
Averaging 6.2 assists in just 20.8 minutes per game, Young's efficiency stands out. This translates to an assist every 3.35 minutes, showcasing his knack for creating plays. During his time with the Atlanta Hawks, Young led the league with 11.6 assists over 36 minutes, making his current performance a promising preview of what he could bring to the Wizards.
Young's ability to draw defenders and create open looks is invaluable for the "Wiz Kids," aiding their development and making their jobs easier. Riley, one of the beneficiaries, shared insights on what he's learning from Young. "Reads off ball screens have been key... being aggressive and looking to score first has opened new doors for me."
Beautiful sequence right here 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Uc02NxzIlr
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 17, 2026
Riley's growth was evident in a play where Young executed a "hockey assist." Bringing the ball up, Young passed to Bilal Coulibaly, who set a screen and rolled to the basket. As the defense collapsed, Coulibaly found Riley wide open in the corner for a successful three-pointer.
Head coach Brian Keefe praised the synergy between Young, Coulibaly, and Riley. "We had some great connections.
Trae was drawing two defenders, hit Bilal on the short roll, and then it went out to Will Riley. It’s why Trae’s here-he makes the right play.
The passing skill was on full display tonight."
Although Young is sidelined with a quad contusion, his impact over five games since joining in January is undeniable. While his long-term presence remains uncertain, his ability to provide open looks and share new skills is priceless for Washington's young core.
As the Wizards focus on maximizing their draft lottery odds in a class featuring prospects like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cam Boozer, they continue their home stretch against Detroit and Oklahoma City. With Young in the mix, there's a sense of optimism that better days are on the horizon.