We take a look at rookie Julian Reese, who may be the most intriguing returning player on the Washington Wizards roster.
After diving into season reviews for several players with the offseason fresh, we dive into what may be the most intriguing player of them all on the Wizards in 2025-26: Julian Reese.
Reese, a Baltimore product and four year starter at the University of Maryland, became the latest roster addition to end the regular season after inking a two-way contract with the Wizards, snatching him off the Toronto Raptors' G League roster. It gave a chance for Reese to make his NBA debut in his backyard with his sister, Angel Reese, in attendance for a handful of road games. While it marked a late season chance for the Wizards to grab some positive headlines amid another losing season, how Reese fared during his 13 appearances poses a question for the offseason.
In fact, it proved to be a historic run to begin Reese's rookie season.
Reese recorded double digit rebounds in six of his 13 appearances, including 20 rebounds against the Utah Jazz, to become the fastest player to record 100 career rebounds since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992. Through his first ten games, the 22 year old secured the most rebounds by an NBA rookie this century while averaging more offensive rebounds than Hakeem Olajuwon. Since 1985, Reese's 128 career rebounds through 11 games ranked fourth-most in NBA history behind O'Neal, Dikembe Mutombo and David Robinson while outperforming Tim Duncan by three boards.
Against the Utah Jazz on March 25, Reese joined John Wall as the only rookies in franchise history to record a double-double by halftime. He ended the season with five double-doubles.
Though it was technically a two-way deal, Reese played just three games for the Go-Go where he averaged 17.8 points and 9.7 rebounds across three games.
What started as a feel good story materialized into a success story for the local product with Reese set to return for year two on his two way contract.
Yet after capitalizing on a thin frontcourt with Alex Sarr sidelined and Tristan Vukcevic in and out of the lineup, Reese could be the one to elevate the depth behind Sarr for his second season. Vukcevic is also capable of playing the five, though Vukcevic and Reese would serve as complementary big men in the second rotation given Reese's efficiency around the rim and Vukcevic's outside touch, giving the guards a chance to thrive with better floor spacing.
The biggest hindrance for Reese is his shooting range. It's been a point of emphasis for Reese dating back to the summer ahead of his senior year at Maryland, though he attempted just one three over his final three seasons.
As a Wizard, Reese stuck to where he's best - around the rim. The rookie shot 55.4% from inside eight feet. Beyond 16 feet, Reese shot just 20% while also shooting just 63.6% from the free throw line. Extending his range will drastically improve his chances of developing into an integral part of the rotation, yet he'll be in the mix for the final roster spots this offseason.
While how the lottery plays out will dictate which direction the front office goes with the first pick, whether Washington uses one - or both - of its second round picks on the frontcourt could also tilt the scale whether Reese opens the 2026-27 season with the Wizards or Go-Go.