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Wizards GM Makes Bold Declaration Against Wizards Tanking Next Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gerard Angelo Samillano | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 9:30 AM ET

The Washington Wizards finished the 2024-25 season with the worst record in the league once again. That sets the Wizards up once again to get a top pick in this year's NBA Draft. However, some fans are wondering if Washington decides to tank this year again to continue stockpiling assets.

Based on how the Wizards are answering questions, though, that doesn't seem to be the plan. During the exit interviews, Wizards GM Will Dawkins isn't too concerned with the fact that their first-round pick in 2026 has a top-8 protection, according to Chase Hughes.

"If our young players make a jump and go forward, we go forward," Dawkins said, per Hughes.

Because the Wizards are not conveying a first-rounder to the New York Knicks in this year's draft, their 2026 first-rounder is now protected from 1-8 next season. That means that should their draft pick fall in that range, they keep that pick. There's an incentive for the Wizards to continue "tanking" their value and getting that draft pick.

However, Dawkins' statement seems to suggest that the Wizards are, at the very least, willing to start the 2025-26 season competing for the playoffs. The Wizards still have a pick swap with the Phoenix Suns for the 2026 NBA Draft, anyway. With more top prospects headed their way, Washington is primed to break out of their slump next season.

Washington currently has a 14% chance of landing the first-overall pick, and they are guaranteed to fall no later than sixth in the draft. After struggling for the last two years, next season is the Wizards' chance to move up in the pecking order.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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