The Washington Wizards are in the thick of a rebuild, but this isn’t just another reset. This time, there’s a clear direction - and more importantly, a young core that’s starting to show real signs of becoming something special. With a mix of top-tier draft picks and a bold swing for a proven star, the Wizards are laying the foundation for what they hope will be a competitive future in the Eastern Conference.
Let’s start with the centerpiece of that youth movement: Alex Sarr. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is already flashing the kind of two-way potential that front offices dream about.
At 7 feet tall, Sarr isn’t just a rim protector - he’s a legitimate presence on both ends of the floor. Through the early part of the season, he’s averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
That’s not just solid rookie production - that’s the kind of stat line that suggests he’s ahead of schedule. His timing on defense, touch around the rim, and growing confidence in his midrange game are all reasons to believe he’s got star upside.
But Sarr isn’t carrying the future alone. Enter Tre Johnson, the No. 6 pick in that same 2024 draft.
A smooth-shooting guard with a scorer’s mentality, Johnson has quickly become a go-to option in the Wizards’ backcourt. His offensive ceiling is sky-high - the kind of player who can create his own shot from anywhere on the floor - and he’s already showing flashes of becoming more than just a scorer.
His game is rounding out, and that’s a promising sign for a team looking to build around dynamic, multi-dimensional guards.
Then there’s Kyshawn George - the name that might not have made headlines on draft night, but is turning plenty of heads now. Selected in the back half of the first round, George has made one of the biggest leaps on the roster this season.
He’s averaging 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, all while shooting an efficient 46.5% from the field and a scorching 40% from deep. That kind of production, especially from a sophomore, is no fluke.
George is proving he belongs - and then some.
But it’s not just the numbers that make George stand out. It’s the mindset.
The 6-foot-8 forward has embraced a leadership role and carries himself with the kind of confidence you typically see from seasoned veterans. Asked recently about his mentality, George didn’t hesitate: “DOMINATE… play my best and prove that I belong with the best of the best,” he said.
“That’s my end goal and I have to make sure I come out with that mentality every night and set the tone.”
That’s the kind of attitude that can shift a culture. And for a team like Washington, which is trying to build something sustainable, that matters just as much as on-court production.
Of course, all of this is happening alongside the presence of 27-year-old Trae Young, acquired in a blockbuster trade that signaled Washington isn’t just playing the long game - they’re trying to accelerate the process. Young gives this young core a proven All-Star to learn from and play alongside, and his presence should help ease the developmental burden on the younger guys while also giving the Wizards a legitimate offensive engine.
The Wizards’ record might not reflect it just yet, but there’s a quiet storm brewing in D.C. With Sarr anchoring the frontcourt, Johnson growing into a lead guard role, and George emerging as a do-it-all wing with the mentality of a star, this team has the pieces. Add in a seasoned floor general like Young, and you’ve got the makings of a roster that could turn the corner sooner than expected.
Washington’s rebuild is no longer just about potential - it’s about progress. And if this core keeps trending the way it is, the rest of the league better start paying attention.