The Washington Wizards have been near the bottom of the NBA for decades, they’ve only had two 46-win seasons in the 21st century. At this season’s trade deadline, they appeared to make a win-now move and traded for Anthony Davis as well as Trae Young.
After yet another down year, Davis recently issued a harsh reality check while noting that the Wizards are working towards the ultimate goal.
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“When you look at the Washington Wizards, from the outside, looking in, it’s like – everybody’s right,” Davis said in an interview for USA Today. “But when you get into the organization and see how great the organization is. The owner is amazing, the city, D.C., it’s amazing.”
“We are a very bad basketball team for sure. I think it’s very tough to go from a bad team to a championship contender. It takes time. It takes a couple of years.”
While he didn’t shay away from Washington’s mediocre track record, he emphasized the internal soundness of the organization and how much he enjoys the team.
The Wizards have been a butt of jokes for a long time, but Davis’ comments hold some legitimacy. He can still make a huge impact when he’s healthy and his game fits nicely alongside Young.
D’Angelo Russell may not have become that player he was expected to become, but he may still be able to score the ball well enough to make an impact.
Regardless, Washington can now pair their experienced pick-and-roll duo with younger talent they’ve developed or acquired.
Alex Sarr has shown the potential to be an All-Star caliber big man, depending on if he has the breakout year he appears to be headed for.
Both Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George will also continue to develop as they have this past season.
Honestly, the Wizards may still need one more elite wing to become a dangerous playoff team, but something good might be brewing in D.C.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
