In a season where the Washington Wizards are focused on laying the groundwork for the future, one rookie is quietly carving out a lane that could become a cornerstone of that rebuild. Will Riley, the 21st overall pick, is starting to turn potential into production-and doing it in a way that speaks volumes about his mindset and work ethic.
Riley’s December numbers don’t leap off the page at first glance-8.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and just under a steal or block per game. But dig a little deeper, and you see a 19-year-old shooting nearly 48% from the field, playing within himself, and making the most of his minutes.
For a young player finding his footing in the league, that kind of efficiency matters. It’s not just about what he’s doing-it's how he’s doing it.
What stands out even more than the stat line is Riley’s approach. There’s no sense of arrival here, no early-career complacency. Instead, there’s a clear hunger to grow, to learn, and to earn every inch of progress.
“I feel like a lot of people didn't know how much I really worked,” Riley said. “I work on my game all the time.
Always in the gym. You've got to be dedicated if you want to win like I do.”
That dedication didn’t start in the NBA. It’s been built over years, shaped by coaches who recognized Riley’s drive and matched it with their own energy. He credits those mentors-past and present-for helping him build the habits that are now starting to show up on the court.
“All my coaches, they help me because they know how I am and they give me the maximum effort,” Riley said. “Whether it's on the court or off the court, I appreciate all of them for that.
The same goes for Coach Saige, Saige Spece, from Phelps. He was always in the gym with me in the morning, off the court, would help me build a routine and stuff like that.”
That last part-routine-is where Riley is already showing signs of maturity beyond his years. He’s been watching veterans like CJ McCollum, not just for what they do during games, but for how they prepare. The way they approach recovery, structure their days, and stay locked into a rhythm-those are the lessons Riley is absorbing.
When asked what gift he’d give his younger self, his answer was telling: “I’d get myself a yoga mat.”
It’s not a flashy answer, but it’s a real one. “Honestly, I’m learning that building a routine is the most important thing for me,” he said.
“Just seeing the older guys, how they're stuck to their routine. They take it so seriously.
Being a younger player, if I can develop that early, I believe I’ll be around a lot longer.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want to see in a rookie-especially one in a situation like Riley’s, where opportunity is there for the taking. The Wizards are in a developmental phase, and Riley is showing that he’s not just along for the ride-he’s trying to lead his own charge.
The early returns are promising. The numbers say he's finding ways to contribute.
The film shows a young guard who plays with poise, doesn’t force the issue, and is steadily earning trust. But the real story is what’s happening behind the scenes-early mornings in the gym, learning from vets, building habits that could define his career.
Will Riley’s rise isn’t about a breakout game or a viral highlight. It’s about the slow, steady climb-brick by brick, rep by rep. December might be the first glimpse, but the foundation he’s laying could be what keeps him in this league for a long time.