Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery on a right-thumb ligament, a move that likely sidelines him at the start of the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old No. 7 pick averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in Eurobasket, flashing development after a breakout sophomore year (12.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG). Washington’s brightest young core—Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Will Riley—now faces an early-season rise in responsibility, joined by Cam Whitmore and other first‑round hopefuls. Veteran help from CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, plus a reshaped rotation after Poole’s move to New Orleans, keeps playoff odds distant ( +3000 ) but not impossible if the youth flourishes.

The Wizards’ 2023-24 and 2024-25 narratives converge: minimal recent wins, a hopeful pipeline, and a front office embracing youth with a veteran bridge. The injury compounds uncertainty around opening-night lineups, tempo, and scoring balance, but it also sets up late-season momentum if Coulibaly returns healthy and the rookies hit their marks. The margin remains thin, but the path to relevance for Washington stays open with the right development arc.

NBA 2K26 reveals the top rookie ratings from the 2025 draft, led by Cooper Flagg at 82 for Dallas. The first-round cohort features Dylan Harper (78), VJ Edgecombe (76), Kon Knueppel (75), Ace Bailey (77), Tre Johnson (75), Jeremiah Fears (73) and Egor Demin (72), among others. Fantasy players should note that minute opportunities and role in the opening rotation will drive the real value of these rookies, not just their ratings. Flagg’s ceiling in DAL stands out, but others could surprise with early defensive/value contributions.

Three Washington Wizards rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins spent the offseason away from the court, volunteering at a back-to-school event at William Ramsay Elementary. They handed out supplies, books and lunches and connected with local kids, signaling a market-friendly, community-first approach in their debut league year. The same trio later joined the Nationals for a ceremonial first pitch as Washington hosted Oakland, blending basketball ascent with cross-sport branding.

On the court, Johnson led the group in NBA Summer League, posting 19.5 points per game with 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal on a 45.5% clip from three across two games, capped by a 21-point effort on July 13. Riley logged two Desert appearances at 10.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while Watkins averaged 11 points, five rebounds and 4.2 steals with 1.6 assists over five games on 33.3% field shooting. Their offseason activities foreshadow a fast acclimation path and potential fantasy upside if they secure minutes behind established Wizards wings.

The Washington Wizards are making significant roster changes following a dismal 18-64 season, opting for a youth-oriented approach. Their 2025 NBA draft selections have added notable talent, including Tre Johnson and Will Riley, who will join a young core featuring Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly. In a surprising move, the Wizards waived veteran center Richaun Holmes, parting ways with a player who had previously contributed to the team.

Holmes's departure opens the door for new acquisitions like Marvin Bagley III, who aims to provide depth behind promising rookie Alex Sarr. The Wizards continue to focus on building for the future, acquiring and developing young players while strategically moving away from older veterans who no longer fit their rebuilding model.