The Washington Wizards struggled to be competitive over the last three seasons. After landing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, that could change.
Nearly five months ago, general manager Will Dawkins began echoing the statement that president of baseball Michael Winger made definite: the Wizards have "completed the deconstruction phase" of the franchise's rebuild.
The franchise's shift became clear when the front office pulled the trigger on the Bradley Beal trade to the Phoenix Suns that netted the Wizards four pick swaps and six additional second round picks through 2030.
What came next required patience, a vision and a little bit of luck.
After parting ways with Wes Unseld Jr during the 2023-24 season, the Wizards turned to Brian Keefe initially on an interim basis before making him the permanent head coach ahead of the 2024-25 season. Still, the coaching move wasn't made behind proven success given the Wizards completed a 15 win season, what proved to be the first of three consecutive sub-20 win seasons in The District.
It wouldn't come without heartbreak off the floor after missing out on the Victor Wembanyama chase with the San Antonio Spurs winning the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, followed by the Wizards selecting sixth in 2026 despite having a 52.1% chance at a top four pick.
Still, those three seasons featured plenty of lowlights: 65 losses by at least 20 points, allowed 140 to 149 points in 18 games, at least 150 points allowed in five games all while compiling a 50-196 overall record. The emergence of Julian Reese at the end of year three of the rebuild proved to be a late, subtle spark for the fanbase as they rallied around the local star, yet the craving for a more competitive team in the seasons ahead became clear.
Yet three consecutive non-competitive seasons netted the Wizards several top draft prospects with Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Will Riley and Bilal Coulibaly among those who have shined in the early stages of their NBA careers. Still, the patience was tested after the young core completed a 50-196 record over the last three seasons.
That patience was ultimately rewarded on Sunday when the Wizards drew the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, giving Dawkins and the front office their choice of who to select in roughly six weeks.
Though all early signs point to AJ Dybantsa being the top pick, the Wizards will do what they did before executing trades to land both Trae Young and Anthony Davis: their homework.
Of course, Washington will have to develop and execute the plan with all eyes set on a hopeful playoff season.
After dealing with bad fortune and lagging fan interest in recent years, the John Wall-Bradley Beal era fall short and DC's own 'Big Three' fail to break through in the postseason, the Wizards now finally have a chance to add the superstar the roster needs to write the franchise's next chapter.
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