e rhythm of 82-game seasons in a league where every night can redefine ceilings.

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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.

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Ime Udoka outlined a plan to weave Kevin Durant into Houston's offense at the upcoming coaches retreat, emphasizing a seamless fit rather than a spotlight hog. Durant’s presence should elevate efficiency and open looks for the Rockets’ young core, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun likely anchoring the starting group alongside Durant, while Jabari Smith Jr. competes for the fifth spot during camp.

Durant’s track record of high efficiency and late-game decision-making should lift the Rockets’ half-court execution, historically a weakness. Udoka and Royal Ivey’s Brooklyn ties to Durant hint at a similar, ball-sharing approach that still leverages Durant to close games, while precamp drills in late September will determine exact lineups and roles.

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