Washington’s fantasy playbook hinges on CJ McCollum steering a rebuilt offense while a rookies-led core—Cam Whitmore, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Keshon George—grows into meaningful roles. FanDuel pegs the Wizards at 20.5 wins after finishing around 18 last season, with the team boasting scarce cap commitments next year. Middleton’s veteran presence is tempered by age and health risk, while McCollum’s minutes and usage shape most draft-day decisions. Whitmore’s unknown minutes, Sar’s efficiency gaps, and the multi-cat upside from the younger guys offer late-round edges in different formats. Bub Carrington and Champagnie sit in the late-flyer tier, with the starting five still up in the air as the team embraces a tank-year trajectory.

In the latest episode of the Old Man Squad Fantasy Basketball podcast, host Dan and guest Alex Rickling discuss key stash candidates for the upcoming NBA trade deadline. The conversation starts with Rickling referencing his James Harden jersey, implying the significance of adapting to player trades. Both hosts share potential players to acquire, emphasizing that they should not be relied upon for immediate high performance. Names such as Matas Buzelis and Kyle Filipowski were highlighted, showcasing their potential upside as the season progresses.

Rickling explains the impact of team dynamics and how player minutes may fluctuate post-deadline, emphasizing younger talents like Bilal Coulibaly and his potential for growth amid the Wizards' poor performance. They analyze various players' viability, including a discussion around the Chicago Bulls' rotation and the prospects for Buellis if the team decides to trade established players.