The Washington Wizards currently sit in the driver seat for the top overall pick in this year's NBA Draft with a 6-28 record.
Throughout all the frustration and heart break both the fans and players of the Wizards have had to deal with over not just this season, but the last couple of years, the franchise itself seems to be in position to feel excitement for the first time in awhile.
With plenty of blue chip prospects headlining the draft this offseason, general manager Will Dawkins seems poised to have his pick of the litter to select which player he wants to build his team around for the forseeable future. With reigning No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr already in place, Washington's front office has the chance to boost the team's rebuild with a big time offseason.
With all eyes on the No. 1 pick, it's only fair for fans to be aware about the players that they should be keeping their eyes on as the time to draft will be here before you know it. That said, here's a look at the top 3 prospects that could be wearing a Wizards uniform by next season.
Cooper Flagg, Duke
Cooper Flagg entered the college season as the top prospect for this offseason's No. 1 draft pick and understandably so. The Duke product has taken the nation by storm and proven that he has what it takes not only to dominate college competition, but be a player that team's should and will build around.
The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists, while shooting 45.8% from field goal range and 30.8% from three. If Washington has the top pick, all signs point to Flagg being the top pick.
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Ace Bailey is another versatile forward that has been considered to be in the running for the top pick as well. The Rutgers freshman was a top five-star recruit out of high school and he's shown exactly why he hasn't been ruled out as a player who could make a case for a team to select him over Flagg when it's all said and done.
The Rutgers freshman can do it all when it comes to scoring on offense. Averaging 19.1 points and 7.6 rebounds, while shooting 46.3% from field goal range and 33.9% from three, he has all the tools to be a franchise player. If there's one area the versatile playmaker can improve on, it's getting his teammates involved considering he averages less than one assists per game (0.7).
Nonetheless, Wizards fans still need to keep an eye on Bailey.
Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Dylan Harper is yet another Rutgers star that could be in the running for the top pick. The 6-foot-6 guard has the size and skillset to be a difference maker at the next level and he's shown throughout the start of the season why scouts are so high on him.
Harper is averaging 21.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists on the season, while shootin 52% from field goal range and 36.8% from beyond the arc. With the ability to bring out his do-it-yourself kit at any time, he has the talent to be a centerpiece for any franchise. Nonetheless, whether it'll be for the Wizards is still up in the air.