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.

Jason Collins, trailblazing NBA veteran and Harvard-Westlake standout, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. The NBA released a compassionate statement on behalf of Collins and his family, asking for privacy as they prioritize his health. The news highlights Collins’ storied career, his Stanford roots, and his ongoing legacy off the court as an NBA Cares ambassador.

Collins split 13 NBA seasons across Rockets, Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards, after a standout California prep and college run. His 2013 coming-out and the 2014 Nets-Lakers moment reshaped how teams and fans address LGBTQ+ athletes, making this health update resonate beyond the hardwood.

Jason Collins, 46, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, per NBA announcement. A 13-season veteran, Collins helped reshape the league as the first openly gay active player across North America’s major sports. His health update places a spotlight on resilience and advocacy beyond the box score.

Collins was drafted by the Rockets at No. 18 in 2001 but spent the bulk of his career with the Nets, with stops in Memphis, Minnesota, Boston, Atlanta and Washington. He wore No. 98 to honor Matthew Shepard—a tribute that underscored his openness and impact. He retired in 2014, leaving a lasting imprint on and off the court.

As privacy is requested while he battles treatment, the moment underscores the human side of pro basketball and the enduring legacy of a trailblazer. Fantasy players should note the real-world context but Collins’ status today carries no direct fantasy relevance.

The news is a sober reminder that a player’s legacy can outlive any season, and it foregrounds the importance of health and support networks for athletes at every level.

Justin Champagnie’s breakout with Washington makes him a true fantasy sleeper. After a two-way start, he earned a multi-year deal and stepped into expanded minutes when Kuzma was moved, delivering efficient scoring and solid rebounding. The Statistical Doppelganger Machine matched him to Aldama, DiVincenzo and Siakam-type forwards, signaling a versatile path with scoring, defense and growth upside.

With a small sample (about 1,340 minutes), risk remains, but Washington’s rebuild creates opportunity. If he maintains development, Champagnie could become a late-round target—a multi-position wing who contributes points, boards and defensive stats, with room to grow into a higher ceiling.