Is Kyshawn George the Washington Wizards' X factor in 2026-27?

The Washington Wizards are nearing the opportunity to change the national narrative surrounding the franchise with the 2026-27 regular season less than two months away and preseason set to begin in less than five weeks. With four starting spots viewed to be all but locked in between Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr, the offseason debate has centered around who the fifth starter should be. Brian Keefe has a talented and undoubtedly upgraded rotation at his disposal ahead of his third season as head coach, but the starting five on opening night marks a chance to make a statement.

Yet Zach Kram of ESPN pointed to Kyshawn George as the X-factor on the Wizards' roster next year where the former first round pick has drawn buzz as the fan favorite to start in his third year with the team.

It's hard to argue against the argument given the 6-foot-8 wing saw his numbers skyrocket from year one to two after improving in every major statistical category -- despite turnovers, averaging nearly double the amount from his rookie season -- while averaging 14.8 points and 4.5 assists per game. "His all-around play should make him a vital contributor next to all of his more famous teammates," Kram added.

The on-court presence that George adds impacts the Wizards on both ends of the floor given his length and size would give the starting lineup featuring four players at least 6-foot-8, while George's inside-out scoring potential has the chance to mesh alongside top overall pick, AJ Dybantsa. George will have a chance to showcase better shot selection while maintaining his efficiency around the rim having made 73% of his attempts last season, yet he'll also have a chance to flourish as a complimentary piece in the rotation who can create thanks to the improved floor spacing that others like Dybantsa, Young and Davis add to the on-floor chemistry.

Yet Will Riley could also draw the title as the X-factor along the roster where the one-time two-way player can elevate not only the scoring options available to Keefe and the coaching staff, but lineup flexibility given the potential for the 6-foot-9 wing to also play on the ball like he was featured during Summer League. Tre Johnson's outside scoring and Bilal Coulibaly's defensive prowess adds to the options available to Keefe as the fifth starter, but George will look to prove himself as the next up-and-comer in the organization alongside Sarr.