The Washington Wizards’ rebuild is in full swing. They hired Michael Winger to lead their front office in May 2023, and he quickly pivoted the franchise toward a complete dismantling. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis were traded in an effort to amass young talent and draft picks. The Wizards I have a potential star in Alex Sarr with the second overall selection in 2024, but they are still years away from the competition.
Their goal is development. Head coach Brian Keefe has a plan for its three recruits and Bilal Coulibaly, a second-year lottery pick, still needs a lot of time to get used to it. Washington believes the foundation is being built. The franchise wants to be opportunistic and understands that this is a slow process.
In Winger’s first 15 months, the Wizards have added four core pieces and wisely acquired a few veterans on the cheap. Their roster is taking shape, and it’s clear where management is focused.
There’s one thing that Winger’s five draft picks have in common since he joined the franchise. They’re clearly looking for size, length and versatility in their core.
Coulibaly is 6’6″ with long arms, and Sarr is 7’4″ with a 7’6″ wingspan. They drafted Tristan Vukcevic in the second round in 2023. He is also 7’4″ with a 7’6″ wingspan. Kyshawn George is 6’1″ with long arms, and even Bub Carrington has a 6’6″ wingspan, despite being only 6’4″.
They can all do multiple things on the court. Sarr can protect the basket, pass on the perimeter and hit jump shots. Vukcevic may not be a long-term player, but he has shown a willingness to shoot from long range. Carrington can play on or off the ball. George could be a 3-and-D wing with some ball-handling skills. Coulibaly has a versatile skill set that Washington plans to explore more this season.
The winger is building a team for the modern NBA. The Wizards want size, versatility, and flexibility at every position. At his peak, Sarr will likely be a stretch five with the ability to pass on the perimeter. If Carrington becomes the team’s most versatile player with Coulibaly and George serving as versatile wings, Washington is on the right track.
The vision is in place and the team’s management is clear on what they want to build. Developing young players is complex and the Washington Wizards will continue to accumulate talent. If they continue to look for players with Winger’s vision, they will find what the franchise is looking for, but it will take time. Fortunately, the Wizards are in no rush.
