Washington Wizards Have a Clear Roster Need at Shooting Guard

Coming into this season, the Washington Wizards have some of the best talent this roster has seen in years. The team features four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young, arguably the Wizards' most highly touted draft pick since since John Wall in AJ Dybantsa, 11-time All-Star and NBA champion Anthony Davis, and rising stars Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr.

The depth extends beyond the starting lineup, with Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and several others. However, one area remains a concern: shooting guard depth.

Washington currently has George and Johnson as its primary options at the two. But the team's third option at shooting guard, Jamir Watkins, is expected to miss most of the regular season after tearing his ACL in the team's Summer League opener against the Utah Jazz. Washington could move Riley or Khris Middleton to shooting guard given their shooting ability, but both players would likely be more valuable in their natural forward roles, where their size and experience can be better utilized.

If either Johnson or George suffers an injury, the Wizards would be left without a true two-guard option. That makes shooting guard a legitimate roster need for the Wizards heading into the season.

One option Washington could pursue is 22-year old guard Nick Smith Jr. The former 2023 first round pick appeared in just 30 NBA games last season but shot nearly 40% from three-point range. During his time in the G-League last season, Smith Jr. averaged 19.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting nearly 45% from the field.

Smith Jr. would not be expected to come in and save the Wizards as the final roster addition, but he could provide valuable injury insurance. He is a young, developmental shooting guard with NBA experience and plenty of offensive upside, making him a potential third option behind Johnson and George.

Seth Curry could also be an option for Washington as a veteran alternative to Nick Smith Jr. A career 43.3% three-point shooter, Curry led the league in three-point percentage during the 2024-25 season.

The 13-year NBA veteran also brings something beyond his ability to knock down shots. Curry could provide valuable mentorship to the Wizards' young backcourt, similar to the role Khris Middleton is expected to play as he returns to the Wizards.

Whether Washington chooses a young player like Smith Jr. or a veteran like Curry, adding another true shooting guard could give the Wizards much-needed insurance heading into the season.