Will Riley's Versatility Adds Intrigue to Wizards 2026-27 Lineups

The Washington Wizards put a bow on Summer League by getting back in the win column following a 91-83 finish against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. The final three games gave a chance for fans to evaluate the rest of the roster with Felix Okpara flashing, Reece Beekman emerging as a wildcard for the final roster spot while getting the first glimpse at AJ Dybantsa in a Wizards uniform for the first time.

It also featured Will Riley in two games, first an 18 point outing against Utah followed by his 32 point performance to fuel Washington over Sacramento in game two. For Summer League, that was enough for Riley after proving just about everything needed after shooting 50% from the field and 7-of-9 from three in two games. Riley also averaged 4.5 rebounds and three assists across the pair of performances, showcasing himself as the instant scorer he showed at the end of his rookie season.

While Summer League also gave Riley the opportunity to capitalize against some fringe NBA players at times, it was how Riley did it and how Riley was used that was as notable. Though the three point touch as evident as it was last season, Riley asserted himself as an inside-out scorer where he was physical around the rim at times and doing well to create offense whether off the dribble or mid-range. But Riley was also showcased as much on the ball as he was off where the 6-foot-10 guard/forward has the ball skills to become a matchup nightmare at the point. It also adds a layer of intrigue around how head coach Brian Keefe can use Riley in his second season.

The debate about who the starting two will be has centered around Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson with both Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa also capable of stepping in at the two. Yet Riley is capable of playing the two where a possible lineup alongside Dybantsa adds disruptive length and complementary scoring, but Summer League also showcased himself as a possible wildcard in the point guard rotation with Trae Young anchoring the rotation and Bub Carrington rounding out the bulk of the minutes. Reece Beekman made a compelling case to finalize the backcourt after his performance through Summer League, though the Virginia product could upgrade the lineup's perimeter defense while Riley adds instant offense and efficiency as a third option.

His length also makes him a candidate at the four contingent on the matchup, proof of the versatility that the former first round pick out of Illinois offers. All of the debate has centered around the top of the Wizards' roster and the upgrades along the way -- and rightfully so -- but Riley's pair of games in Summer League only accentuated his profile as the possible X-factor on the 2026-27 roster.

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