The Washington Wizards were among the teams to draw a favorable rookie class grade from the 2025-26 regular season from one outlet this week
A big part of the 2025-26 regular season for the Washington Wizards was centered around its rookie class, which proved to be as big of a storyline as any other on court development.
The buzz naturally began with Tre Johnson after the former sixth overall pick added instant scoring to the backcourt, ultimately ending his rookie season as the highest scorer after averaging 12.2 points in 42 starts and 60 minutes. Yet he didn't lead the field by much thanks to an unsurprising star: Julian Reese.
The University of Maryland product and Baltimore native averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in ten starts and 13 appearances, becoming the only Wizard to finish the season averaging a double-double. He did so in record setting fashion along the way after posting a 20-rebound performance along with three other games with at least 15 rebounds. Reese drew praise from general manager Will Dawkins for capitalizing on his late season opportunities as he enters the offseason as an intriguing re-sign candidate with a chance to be the third center on the 2026-27 roster.
Yet maybe the biggest development among them was the emergence of Will Riley through the second half of the season after posting ten 20-point games, along with a pair of 30-point games in consecutive nights, to add intrigue as a multi-level scorer. Following the All Star break, Riley averaged 15.6 points while shooting nearly 46% from the field.
Jamir Watkins, the team's second round pick, ended his rookie season on a high note after posting 24 points against Cleveland, but his impact was felt on the defensive end. Watkins posted six games with three or more steals including a season-high five against Charlotte back on Jan. 24. Washington made the decision to convert his contract into a two year deal late in the season with Watkins carving a role on defense, and deservingly so. He finished the season ending 3.7% of his defensive possessions with a steal, foul drawn or block, slotting in the 95th percentile in the league. Watkins also ranked in the 89th percentile in offensive fouls drawn.
That helped the Wizards draw a favorable end of season grade when reviewing the NBA's rookie classes with Washington drawing a B+ in the 2025-26 regular season, per Bleacher Report.
Nine teams drew better grades than Washington while two teams joined the Wizards to draw a B+, though all eyes will now turn to which rookie can benefit from a sophomore jump like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.