Rating the Washington Wizards Top X-Factors in 2026-27

The 2026 season could be a major stepping stone for the Washington Wizards. With a revamped roster featuring proven stars in Trae Young and Anthony Davis, Washington also has plenty of young talent ready to ascend alongside them.

After winning only 17 games last season, the Wizards could make one of the NBA’s biggest year-over-year jumps. Several players could determine how far they climb, but who is the team’s biggest X-factor?

Despite endless rumors and speculation about Anthony Davis’ future in Washington, the organization has remained firm in its stance that he was acquired to play.

Davis became eligible to sign a four-year maximum contract extension in early August. However, he and the Wizards mutually agreed to enter the regular season without a new deal. Davis, 33, could play with added motivation as he attempts to prove he is worthy of one more lucrative contract.

Despite appearing in only 71 games over the last two seasons, Davis remains extremely effective when healthy. It’s no secret: He makes the Wizards considerably better when he is on the floor.

Davis can still score efficiently in the low post and control the glass, but his greatest value may come defensively. Nobody contested more shots at the rim last season than Alex Sarr, who handled that responsibility admirably. However, he was often left on an island. That is about to change with Davis, one of the best interior defenders of his generation, playing alongside him.

The pairing of Davis and Sarr could completely transform a Washington defense that ranked last in the league a year ago. That tandem will be especially important with Young, a significant defensive liability, playing on the perimeter.

The Wizards are clearly building an identity around their size, and Davis could be the key piece. His X-factor status comes down almost entirely to his health. If he stays on the floor, Washington should take a substantial step forward.

The Wizards’ front office has been high on George for quite some time, and last year’s breakout validated that belief.

After a strong finish to his rookie campaign, George made a significant leap in 2025. He averaged 14.8 points per game and shot better than 38% from three while filling several different roles throughout the season. Early on, George was saddled with considerable ball-handling responsibility. Although that created some growing pains, it also helped him develop as a creator and improve his ability to generate his own shot.

In 2026, the Wizards will have Young serving as their floor general and offensive engine. That should help George become more efficient by creating better looks for him.

George is an interesting case because a reasonable argument can be made for either starting him or bringing him off the bench. If the Wizards choose to use him as a reserve, he could transform their second unit into one of the league’s more dynamic groups.

One of head coach Brian Keefe’s most important tasks will be identifying the role that best suits George. Regardless of where he begins games, there are plenty of reasons to believe he can take another step forward in his third season.

The first draft pick of the Will Dawkins era enters a crucial fourth season. Coulibaly became eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension over the summer, but no agreement has materialized. The 2023 draft class has not seen much movement on new contracts, although Amen Thompson recently signed a five-year, $208 million extension. Whether that deal influences Coulibaly’s market remains to be seen.

Coulibaly is Washington’s best perimeter defender, and there is little argument otherwise. Throughout his career, he has averaged a combined two steals and blocks per game. With Young weakening Washington’s perimeter defense, Coulibaly’s work on that end will be especially valuable.

The biggest question is what he can provide offensively. His three-point percentage has declined since his rookie season, which is less than ideal. However, he shot better than 38% from deep over the final six weeks of last season. If he can sustain that production, it would do wonders for both his game and Washington’s floor spacing.

Health is another concern. Coulibaly has missed 68 games through his first three seasons, and last year’s injuries may have prevented him from finding a consistent offensive rhythm. That could help explain why he looked considerably better over the final six weeks.

Playing alongside Young should also benefit Coulibaly. As one of the team’s most athletic players, he could thrive as a cutter and off-ball mover rather than being asked to consistently create his own shot.

This is an important season for determining Coulibaly’s long-term future in Washington. Even if his offensive development remains uneven, his defense alone could help push the Wizards in a much better direction.