Wizards Show Off Developmental Success Despite Loss To Nets

Even with the Washington Wizards looking to lose every game they play, the level of production from various players has been eye-opening. With each passing game, several players like Will Riley and Julian Reese have proven to be reliable contributors, even with injuries plaguing the roster. In a back-to-back set, Washington’s depth was put on full display, first against the Miami Heat, then against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the recent losses, Washington has shown that they can develop real depth pieces for their team moving forward. With each positive outing for their young players, the Wizards are one step closer to adding a long-term contributor to their roster.

Wizards Show Off Developmental Success Despite Loss To Nets

In a close 121-115 loss to the Nets, Washington’s rotation played a tough game. They did it with only eight guys seeing the floor. It’s no secret the Wizards have multiple injuries, but is it a bad thing? Their stars are out, giving minutes to guys who seriously need developmental minutes. The game on Sunday saw exactly why Washington will be one of the deepest teams in the league next year.

Riley, Reese, Jamir Watkins, and Anthony Gill kept the Wizards in the game before losing their grip in the fourth.

Will Riley

Fresh off a career-high 31 points in Miami, Riley would drop his second-straight 30-point game against the Nets. The rookie would finish the game with 30 points, six assists, and four rebounds in his 35 minutes of playing time. Riley would become just the third rookie all season to drop 30+ points in back-to-back games. On top of several great games this season, his last two outings cemented Riley’s rookie season in Washington’s history books.

Riley has been on the rise in Washington, and the league is beginning to take notice. The forward has been the engine of the Wizards’ offense since the All-Star Break. He’s been on a tear since being introduced to starting minutes, and his dominance has cemented him as one of the best scorers from the 2025 NBA Draft.

Julian Reese

Reese has been in and out of the lineup since joining the team in late February. After playing a season low 10 minutes against the Heat, Reese put up another big game. In 44 minutes of action, Reese would score 17 points and grab 16 rebounds.

This game marks Reese’s third 15+ point and 15+ rebound game, a monumental accomplishment for a player who went undrafted less than a year ago. The rookie will most likely begin next season in the G-League. However, he has earned the right to be called up if injuries arise next season. His impact on the court differs from Washington’s backup big man, Tristan Vukcevic. Reese provides inside scoring and physical rebounding, while Vukcevic provides scoring from all three levels.

Jamir Watkins

Watkins will serve as a change-of-pace guard next season. He’ll provide a strong defensive backcourt option instead of the scoring that primary guards Trae Young and Tre Johnson produce. However, on Sunday, Watkins showed that he could be called upon to score if needed. In the loss, the rookie put up 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Now on a full-scale contract, Watkins will be a big part of Washington’s defensive scheme next season. Young, Johnson, and Bub Carrington aren’t outstanding defenders. So Washington will use Watkins as a primary option off the bench when the league’s top guards play the Wizards next season. With that being said, Watkins needs to improve his scoring abilities, but this game could be a preview for what’s to come.

Anthony Gill

The Wizards veteran big man had a career night against the Philadelphia 76ers just a few games ago. Against the Nets, Gill bounced back after a rough game against the Heat. In 41 minutes of action, the big man would score 17 points, five rebounds, to go along with three assists and a block.

Gill may be without a roster spot next season. In that same breath, he’s leaving everything he can out on the floor. The veteran has never been a substantial piece of the offense, but with this newfound freedom, Gill has provided a sizable left on offense. Washington’s fans love Gill, and with hope, Gill could return to the team next season. Even if it’s not a roster spot, the 33-year-old could join the franchise in an advisor or coaching role.