Why 'misfit' Wizards may not be good but could be fun

After trading stars Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, many expect the Washington Wizards to be among the NBA's worst teams in 2023-24.

That may be true, but there's still plenty of reason for Wizards fans to tune in.

The roster for 2023-24 can be likened to the famous Island of Misfit Toys from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." It's a collection of free-agent signings and unheralded young prospects, and its expected leaders — Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma — are castoffs from title-winning organizations.

Kuzma has played in D.C. for two seasons after he was dumped by the Los Angeles Lakers, who couldn't use him as a supporting player next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He has flourished on the Wizards, averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game last season, and now figures to be the de facto top scoring option.

Poole — who's in a situation similar to Kuzma's — will be more interesting to follow. Golden State jettisoned him due to his inefficiency, but his 20.4 points-per-game scoring average last season (while splitting time between the starting lineup and bench) shows he has high upside as a scorer.

Poole, who's only 24, has a chance to grow into a long-term franchise player for Washington. At the very least, he should be able to revitalize his reputation as Kuzma has and raise his trade stock should the Wizards decide to move on in a few years.

Washington has other interesting cogs as well. Tyus Jones, underutilized in Memphis as a backup to Ja Morant, is the new starting point guard and could turn heads in a bigger role. Daniel Gafford also seems poised for higher usage than he's ever had as he continues to develop into an elite lob threat and rim protector.

Seventh overall pick Bilal Coulibaly could be a sleeper for an All-Rookie team bid because he'll have a place in Washington's rotation — and perhaps starting lineup — from the beginning. He has already greatly impressed during preseason with his defense.