For much of the past decade, the Washington Wizards have shuttled between futility and mediocrity in the NBA.

Washington has missed the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons, with the lone exception coming in 2021—a lowly 34–38 record that earned the eighth seed in a particularly weak Eastern Conference. That brief appearance ended swiftly in a five-game first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a short detour from their hapless ways, and the status quo soon returned.

This season has followed a familiar script, at least in the standings. At 9–24, the Wizards own the second-worst record in the East and the fourth-worst in the NBA overall. Another trip to the draft lottery feels inevitable. However, for the first time in years, the losses feel less hollow than they once did—and even carry a measure of hope.

Draft missteps have long haunted Washington. Two of the team’s best selections of the past decade, Deni Avdija and Rui Hachimura, are no longer with the franchise. The loss of Avdija is particularly painful as he has blossomed into a potential All-Star with his new team, the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Through the years, qick fixes were prioritized over development, there was no clear direction, and any form of momentum never had a chance to build. Since last season, though, the Wizards have begun assembling a more coherent plan, finally placing patience above all else.

That shift began with Alex Sarr, the second overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft. Now in his sophomore season, the 7-footer has taken a noticeable leap. Sarr is averaging 17.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, while dramatically improving his efficiency—his field-goal percentage has jumped from 39.4 percent as a rookie to 50.3 percent this year. Logging more minutes at center this year, Sarr is beginning to resemble a long-term interior anchor rather than just another developmental project.

Another sophomore, Kyshawn George, has also emerged as a central figure in Washington’s future. Acquired from the New York Knicks in a draft-day trade, the 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and one steal per game. His versatility fits neatly into the modern, positionless NBA, and Washington has leaned into that flexibility, giving George all the reps he can handle.

There is promise in the Wizards’ backcourt as well. Tre Johnson, the sixth overall pick of the 2025 draft, is beginning to find his footing, scoring at least 12 points in eight consecutive games. That stretch includes a career-high 24-point performance in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, 20-year-old point guard Bub Carrington—acquired in the Avdija trade—enjoyed a breakout December, averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.

Others, including Justin Champagnie, Will Riley, Cam Whitmore, and Bilal Coulibaly, have had their moments as well. Crucially, their development has been guided by veterans CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, both of whom have built reputations as high-level locker-room presences. Their influence has helped stabilize a young roster navigating the most fragile years of its growth.

Washington may not reach the postseason this year, but for the first time in a long while, the outline of a real team is visible. If the front office remains patient, this rebuild may finally deliver something worth waiting for—perhaps even sooner than expected.