Wizards drew a C+ in ESPN's midseason grade with the current win total hovering 19 despite opening the season at 20.5

The Wizards' 7-5 record in a 12-game stretch to end December and begin January sparked concern that they might win too many games to keep their first-round pick, which they owe to the Knicks if it lands outside the top eight. That was probably overstated. Washington's 1-15 start and combination of blowout losses and close wins mean the team's minus-11.2 point differential is still the worst in the NBA. The Wizards appear to be unwilling to take any chances, keeping newly acquired guard Trae Young out of the lineup despite the fact that he was nearing a return before the trade.