Wizards Have to Lean into Young Talent

That approach would make sense if Washington were showing any resemblance of a competitive basketball team, but it’s obvious that they aren’t. Continuing to rely on proven players and aging talent doesn’t do much for the organization long term, especially considering the current state of the rebuild.

The direction Washington should be heading is fully leaning into the youth movement. Although the Wizards have dealt with their fair share of injuries this season, one thing has remained consistent: the young guys want to play.

Even if players like Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins may not consistently produce high-level basketball that leads to wins, it’s clear that they want to compete night in and night out. The consistent energy they bring on both ends of the floor feeds into the rest of the roster, creating a better overall environment.

Leaning into young talent is a difficult leap to make, but it’s necessary for the future of the franchise. Not only is the on-court product more enjoyable to watch, but it will also benefit the long-term outlook of the team. The hardest part of a rebuild is developing young talent within a scheme, and Washington is now being given a perfect opportunity to do just that by giving these players valuable in-game reps.

The Wizards’ roster is far from a finished product, and it will likely be years before they field a team capable of competing for a legitimate playoff spot. However, chipping away at the difficult parts of the rebuild now will prove immensely valuable down the line.