Training camp is an exciting time before each NBA season. Every team comes in with a roster of talented players, only to have to whittle it down to their very best and brightest. Cutting players is never fun for teams, but when it happens, it’s typically players that most NBA fans haven’t heard of. With that being said, there are exceptions, where more notable players can be cut from training camp rosters. We may be a little under two months away from the start of training camps, but let’s look at the Washington Wizards’ training camp roster, and see who might be on the chopping block.
Who’s Getting Cut from Wizards Training Camp?
Wizards Training Camp Roster
Before we figure out who’s getting cut, we need to know who’s on the Wizards training camp roster. First, we have the players who made a real impact on the team last year and aren’t going anywhere. These players are:
Because the Wizards were a rebuilding team last year, the core group wasn’t particularly large. There’s plenty of room for underrated players to step up and play a role for this upcoming year’s Wizards team, and that includes the rookies. We know the Wizards’ two lottery picks, Alex Sarr and Carlton Carrington, are most definitely not getting cut at training camp. Additionally, the Wizards’ two free-agency signings (Jonas Valanciunas and Saddiq Bey) aren’t going anywhere. The same goes for Malcolm Brogdon, who the Wizards acquired in the Deni Avdija trade.
All of those players accounted for will likely make up the Wizards rotation this upcoming year. However, the end of the bench, filled by guys who may not get as many minutes, is still up for question. Right now, there are seven other players on the roster heading into Wizards training camp. They are:
- Marvin Bagley
- Kyshawn George
- Johnny Davis
- Patrick Baldwin
- Anthony Gill
- Jared Butler
- Eugene Omoruyi
- Justin Champagnie (two-way)
- Tristan Vukcevic (two-way)
Of these players, who won’t be in a Wizards uniform?
The Potential Cuts
There are a few players on this list that are very likely to make the final roster. George is a late first-rounder of the Wizards, and it seems highly unlikely that they’ll get rid of him before the season even begins. Gill is also a player I don’t see leaving the Wizards. He’s become the Wizards’ version of Udonis Haslem: he doesn’t play a lot, but he’s an incredible teammate, has been with the organization for four years, and is a fan favorite. I wouldn’t be surprised if he became an assistant coach for the Wizards after retirement.
That leaves us with five names undecided upon, and 12 almost certainly guaranteed roster spots. Before free agency, I would’ve said that Bagley and Baldwin would’ve been solid bets to stay with the team; the Wizards’ big-man rotation was absolutely horrendous last year, and they need shot blockers.
However, the Wizards picked Sarr with the 2nd overall pick, which means that on a rebuilding team, he’ll be getting plenty of minutes. They also signed Valanciunas to trade minutes with Sarr and mentor the kid. These two will be taking up most of the power forward/center minutes, and it seems impractical to keep two out-of-rotation bigs.
Statistically, Baldwin should be the one cut. Bagley put up far better numbers last year, was more effective, and had a more positive presence on the floor. However, Baldwin is a few years younger than Bagley. If the Wizards front office values those few extra years of youth, perhaps they stick with Baldwin. But, I don’t really see it happening.
My Take on Johnny Davis
As much as it seems like Johnny Davis should be an automatic to be on this roster, I’m not sure that he’s a lock to make it. Davis was a lottery, but he was drafted in 2022. The new management for the Wizards came in 2023, which means that Davis wasn’t their draft pick. Historically, GMs and front offices look to give their draft picks longer chances to perform and play well, because they want to prove that they made the right pick. However, if they come in and it’s somebody else’s pick that is young but not playing well, they’re quicker to trade or cut them. Davis has been quite unimpressive these past few seasons, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wizards cut him.
As for Butler and Omoruyi, my guess is that at least one will be put on a two-way contract. They’re both somewhat on the young side and haven’t been consistent NBA players for the span of their careers. If the team does do this, then they’ll be left with a solid 15-man roster. It won’t be a season full of winning, but I’m excited to see the Wizards this year.
