The Washington Wizards were a complete horror show last year. The team finished 18-64, which was somehow an improvement over their 15-win campaign in 2023. However, last year’s Wizards had a -12.3 net rating, which is one of the worst full season net ratings in NBA history. Heading into the 2025 NBA Draft, nobody had better odds at Cooper Flagg than Washington. Instead of that, the Wizards fell all the way to sixth. Kind of a microcosm of where the organization has been lately.
Not all is doom and gloom in the Nation’s capital though, as along with Tre Johnson, the Wizards made a concerted effort to bring some adults into the room to help the young guys mature. That started at the trade deadline last season, when the Wizards traded Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton. This offseason, they added CJ McCollum while sending out Jordan Poole. Having those two adults in the room to help guys like Johnson, Will Riley, Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington will be invaluable to this team. Will it translate to wins? Let’s see.
Washington Wizards: Over/Under 20.5 wins (-120/-102)
Additions: Tre Johnson (6th pick), Will Riley (21st pick), Cam Whitmore, CJ McCollum
Losses: Jordan Poole (New Orleans), Malcolm Brogdon (New York), Marcus Smart (Los Angeles Lakers)
I believe the Wizards are put together far better than they were at any point last season. This is a group with good veterans to help the young guys along, and the young guys are plenty talented enough to do some nice things. I’m not going to get carried away and say these Wizards are last year’s Pistons, because they’re not. That being said, a ten-win improvement over last year wouldn’t shock me in the slightest.
Prediction: Over 20.5 wins
Odds provided by the Fanduel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Wager responsibly!