The Washington Wizards Young Core is Blossoming

In the snippet, Avdjia is in the open court after grabbing a rebound. The only player in front of him is All-Star forward Jaylen Brown. Avdjia crosses Brown and easily gets to the basket for two points through contact.

Avdjia is slowly but surely living up to this top-ten draft status. He can consistently hit shots from distance, finish at the rim through contact, and crash the boards effectively.

The Wizards forward needs to improve his ball security, as he currently averages 2.8 turnovers per game over the last ten contests. If Avidjia can decrease his turnover rate and continue this level of play, his stock in the NBA will rise.

Corey Kispert

Kispert has been arguably Washington’s best player coming off the bench. Over the last five games, Kispert is averaging 18.6 points while shooting 54.5 percent from two-point range and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Kispert was drafted 15th overall in the 2021 draft out of Gonzaga. The former first-round pick has displayed supreme confidence throughout the season and it’s been apparent lately. His off-ball movement and playmaking skills have turned him into a solid well-rounded asset for Washington.

In this clip, Kispert receives a pass from Jordan Poole in transition. Kispert drives to the basket with intensity and throws down a strong dunk.

The Washington forward can score inside and outside the paint, but Kispert’s bread and butter is by attacking the paint aggressively. Kispert is shooting 64.2 percent while driving in the paint and earns 81.3 in PTS percentage, respectively.

Kispert is essentially a slasher that can shoot from the perimeter, which poses him as a threat anywhere on the court.

Bilal Coulibaly

Coulibaly was drafted seventh overall in the 2023 draft. The former first-round pick tallied 13 and 21 points (career-high vs. Boston) in the last two games for Washington. The rookie forward has had a promising freshman season in the NBA. Coulibaly earned a spot in the 2024 Panini Rising Stars roster that will play during All-Star Weekend.

On the year, Coulibaly averages 8.5 points (13th among rookies) and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 45.3 percent from the field. The 19-year old rookie averages 26.8 minutes per game, which ranks fifth among rookies.

Coulibaly displays tenacity defensively and aggression on both ends of the court, which has propelled him into one of the NBA’s rising stars.

In this clip, Coulibaly drives into the paint and finishes for two points while absorbing the contact from Georges Niang. The poise and assertiveness from Coulibaly are promising traits from a rookie.

The Last Word

Yes, the Wizards have the second worst record in the league, but the development of the young core is crucial. Washington is in the middle of a rebuild, and Coulibaly, Avdjia, and Kispert could be the future of this franchise.