Will Riley’s Breakout Is Giving the Wizards a New Reason to Watch
Heading into the season, the spotlight in Washington was firmly fixed on Tre Johnson. The No. 6 overall pick came in with all the hype and Rookie of the Year buzz, and rightfully so. But while much of the attention has centered on Johnson’s development, another rookie is quietly making a strong case to be part of the Wizards’ long-term plans.
Enter Will Riley.
The 21st overall pick didn’t arrive with the same fanfare, but he brought something else: a high basketball IQ, an intriguing frame, and a versatile skill set that made scouts take notice late in the draft process. After a productive year as Illinois’ sixth man, Riley’s stock rose steadily, and the Wizards saw enough to take a swing on his upside.
So far, that gamble is starting to look pretty smart.
A G-League Statement Game
Riley hasn’t seen much NBA floor time to start the year, with most of his early reps coming in the G-League for the Capital City Go-Go. But that’s where things started to turn.
In his biggest G-League outing yet, Riley exploded for 36 points while running the point-showcasing not just scoring ability, but poise, vision, and command of the offense. And crucially, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe was in the building to see it all firsthand.
Keefe didn’t mince words when asked about Riley’s performance.
“His processing, his passing, his ability to read the game-that’s obviously all stuff that we liked in the draft,” Keefe said. “He got good reps at that, playing at the point yesterday.
He’s big, he’s 6'8", he can see over the defense. He had a big scoring night, the passing is the stuff that impressed me the most.”
That’s high praise from a head coach who’s made it clear this season is about development above all else. And Riley? He seems to be checking all the right boxes.
Making the Most of His NBA Opportunity
Fast forward to Tuesday night, and Riley finally got his shot with the big club. He checked in during the first quarter and didn’t look back.
In 26 minutes of action, Riley tallied 13 points, four rebounds, and an assist. He was incredibly efficient, hitting five of his six shots from the floor-including two from deep-for an eye-popping 83.3% shooting night.
But beyond the stat line, it was the way he played that stood out. Confident.
Composed. Ready.
For a 19-year-old still finding his footing in the league, that’s exactly the kind of performance that earns you a second look-and maybe a permanent spot in the rotation.
What This Means for the Wizards
Let’s be real: this is a developmental year in D.C. The Wizards aren’t chasing playoff seeding-they’re building a foundation. And that means giving young players like Riley the runway to grow, make mistakes, and showcase what they can bring to the table.
Riley’s size, feel for the game, and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable piece in that puzzle. He’s not just a project anymore-he’s knocking on the door of meaningful minutes.
If Tuesday night was any indication, the Wizards may have found something in Will Riley. And in a season where the future is the focus, that’s exactly the kind of storyline worth watching.