Film study is a vital part of the Washington Wizards’ development. Here’s what coaches and players discuss when they sit down for a session.
For young players such as Wizards rookie Will Riley, experience defending players such as Darius Garland is valuable. And watching the tape afterward is where the learning takes shape. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
Washington Wizards assistant coach Adam Caporn didn’t have an answer during the game when other coaches asked: What is Will Riley doing?
Riley, the No. 21 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and a promising rookie forward, was guarding the screener on a pick and roll but was positioned too far back as the ballhandler turned around the screen. Both Riley and the defender guarding the ballhandler, Justin Champagnie, stayed with him, leading to a lob layup. Caporn needed clarity on what went wrong. He got to the bottom of it before Washington’s next game.