4 Young players the Wizards should develop, 4 to give up on

Don’t Develop: Johnny Davis

Davis was the tenth overall pick in 2022, but little went right during his rookie season. The 21-year-old finally got consistent minutes to close the year, but he averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds. 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal in 32.7 minutes per game over eight contests. The problem was he shot 39.0 percent from the field, 28.1 percent on his threes, and 50.0 percent from the foul line during that stretch.

Even in the G League, Davis was inefficient and struggled on both ends of the floor. He shot 40.4 percent from the field in the regular season and averaged just 11.6 points in 26.8 minutes per game. The 21-year-old looked overmatched, and it was a struggle all year.

His scoring improved a bit during summer league, but Davis still shot just 40.9 percent from the field. It was a tiny four-game sample, so drawing any conclusions is tough.

It is way too early to give up completely on Johnny Davis, but the Washington Wizards should not view him as a key piece of their rebuild. He needs time to develop, and the 21-year-old might get there, but right now, he struggles on both ends of the floor and is virtually unplayable in the NBA.

Can he improve? There is still time, but the 6’5 wing could reach bust status if there is not a significant improvement in year two.

8 Players the Washington Wizards gave up on too soon

The Washington Wizards have employed some elite hoopers, from Elvin Hayes to Bradley Beal, but there were a few stars they gave up on far too soon.