Wizards Rookies Future Outlook

Will Riley

Down the stretch of the 2025–26 season, the Wizards began to turn the reins to their younger talent, giving guys like Will Riley a chance to thrive. It’s fair to say Riley jumped on that opportunity, dominating down the stretch of the season for the injury-riddled Wizards crew. The 6-foot-10 guard had multiple 30-point outbursts, showcasing the advanced skill set that Washington hoped he had when they drafted him in the first round.

Despite his clear talent, Riley’s future in Washington remains a bit uncertain, not because of his talent but rather the role he will play. Riley’s skill set reflects more of a lead creator, but due to the Wizards’ loaded core of ball handlers, it isn’t clear how or if they can maximize that ability. With that said, there is no doubt that Riley is a talent worth keeping around.

Jamir Watkins

One of the more underrated rookies in the entire NBA this season was Washington’s second-round pick Jamir Watkins. The 6-foot-6 wing made his impact felt primarily on the defensive side of the ball, showcasing versatility and event creation at a rare rate for a rookie. Watkins’ impressive play earned him a promotion, being converted from a two-way contract to a two-year deal with the team.

As for his future, it seems as if the Wizards want to keep him around. He may be used sparingly going forward, getting playing time to fill in for injuries or in certain situations. Watkins is clearly in good graces with the front office as well, reflected by his extension, making it seem obvious that he is at least in the team’s short-term plans.

Julian Reese

One of the most fun storylines to come from Washington’s season was the emergence of rookie Julian Reese. The 6-foot-9-inch center started the year on the Toronto Raptors’ G-League affiliate, but through hard work and production, he earned a spot with the Wizards and has thrived. Reese is the only member of Washington to average a double-double this season, averaging 11.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists a game.

His record-breaking rebounding has been enough to catch the attention of national media as well, making him one of the more surprising rookies in the NBA. With that said, his two-way contract remained unconverted and his spot in the rotation has been inconsistent, leading one to believe he may not be in the team’s long-term plans. However, there is no doubt that if given the opportunity, Washington would jump on the chance to get Reese back on the team next year, even if it is in a small role.