The Washington Wizards completed a rare double-dip in the NBA trade world this season, acquiring two former All-Stars in Trae Young and Anthony Davis. The Wizards have gone from rebuild to contention in the matter of a month, and it no doubt will be the beginning of a very competitive era in D.C. However, while most seem optimistic for what lies ahead, ESPN isn’t on board.
ESPN Not As Optimistic As Fans After Wizards’ Latest Blockbuster
Washington has been eager to start their new stint of contending seasons, and the pairing of Davis and Young will no doubt usher them into postseason favorites. However, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton doesn’t share the same ideology some have.
The Grade
Pelton would give the Wizards a C grade. According to Pelton, the Mavericks actually won the deal, although not by much at all, with a B. When discussing his reasons, Pelton brings up multiple points. Things like Davis’ injury concerns, Alex Sarr’s better play inside, but none jump out the way this one does:
“From a bigger-picture standpoint, the fear is that the Wizards are taking their rebuild out of the oven before it’s fully baked. Adding Davis and Young will create urgency to be competitive next season, particularly if both land the new contracts they’re seeking. (Young can be an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines a $49 million player option. Davis will be looking to extend ahead of his $62.8 million player option in 2027-28.)
Sarr and George look like building blocks, while Carrington and 2025 lottery pick Tre Johnson have flashed potential. Still, Washington doesn’t have any prospect on the level of [Cooper] Flagg. Sarr, at 22nd, was the only Wizards player ranked in ESPN’s top 25 under 25 rankings in December.“
Pelton does have a very reasonable point, but let’s put those questions to bed and discuss the recent rise of Washington’s core.
Development Or Competitveness
The superstar pairing of Young and Davis will no doubt be box-office worthy, with postseason play in mind. However, Pelton’s claim would position the young Wizards as not ready for the big lights. That being said, Washington has found their stride recently and should be putting some of those worries to bed.
Over the six games, Washington is 4-2, with wins over quality opponents. Two of those wins come against two postseason hopeful squads: the Cinderella-worthy Portland Trail Blazers and the current number one team in the east Detroit Pistons. What’s even more surprising is who’s been pushing the team to these wins. Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington are normal suspects, but the bench has been on fire in this span.
While the win over the Sacramento Kings saw the G-League team absolutely dominate, the game against the Pistons was electric. Sharife Cooper had a career-high of 18 points, while Will Riley supplied 20 points. Big men off the bench, Tristan Vukcevic and Anthony Gill, both had over 10 points. Riley has been a great bench option lately, scoring over 10 points in each of the last four outings.
The Last Word
Washington’s core, while young, is more than ready to compete. The former All-Star duo will be the headlining story, but the core is going to push the team over the top. The Wizards have arrived, and now it’s all about putting the league on notice.
Featured Image: David Reginek-Imagn Images
