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.

Jordan Goodwin returns to Phoenix Suns on waivers, bringing grit, defense, and a reliable second-unit presence. The low-cost addition is designed to anchor on-ball pressure and stabilize lineups behind Devin Booker and the Suns' growing youth core. Success hinges on improved shooting and playmaking, but his defensive impact and rebounding provide immediate value in a roster built for 2-way versatility.

Projected role centers on a tempo guard who can guard ones and twos, push in transition, and reset the offense without forcing action. If the jumper improves and decision-making stays solid, Goodwin can carve out a meaningful rotation spot; if not, his minutes may stay limited despite the upside.

Kevin Durant lands in Houston as the marquee offseason splash, topping ESPN’s list of newcomers to watch for 2025-26. His proven closer’s mentality and shot-making immediately elevate the Rockets’ ceiling and give them a true go-to option in crunch time.

Houston’s young core—Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard—and the return of Jalen Green all stand to benefit from Durant’s gravity and playmaking. Myles Turner joins the frontcourt as a veteran presence, while Cooper Flag represents a high-upside rookie piece in DAL’s draft pipeline.