The Washington Wizards took a shot in the dark with the final lottery pick off the 2024 NBA Draft when they selected Bub Carrington from Pittsburgh.
Carrington entered his rookie season with plenty of hype after showing flashes throughout both the Summer League and preseason for the Wizards. Throughout the start of the season, the athletic guard has shown confidence even when his shot hasn't fallen at times.
As a result, first-year head coach Brian Keefe has seemingly prioritized the development of the 19-year-old having him start 34 of the 45 games this season. Averaging 8.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting 39.6% from field goal range and 34% from beyond the arc, Carrington has shown his versatility on the court.
However, he's also showcased plenty of areas that need improvement, especially if he hopes to help his team reach the next level anytime soon.
Bub Carrington's biggest flaw could hinder his development and the Wizards' future
Carrington's biggest flaw on the court arguably may be one of the worst abilities to lack considering his position and the role he has on offense.
Despite being an athletic freak, the 6-foot-4 guard's slow first step may be the biggest thing that stands out when you watch him. For a guard his size, the ability to create separation against the competition alone would be such a difference maker for not only his play, but for his team as a whole.
In addition, Carrington struggles scoring inside, especially when dealing with contact. Whether it's a trailing defender or being challenged at the rim, the young guard has shown that his ability to finish through contact needs work.
These flaws alone could be the biggest things hindering his development as a key player in the Wizards rebuild.
Fortunately for both Carrington and fans of the WIzards, the areas that need improvement could be a simple fix with the right offseason focuses. And while these issues may seem minor, his ability to become more of a threat with these improvements alone could be the factor that makes him more dangerous for opposing defenses that open up his game and for the teammates around him.
If Carrington can find a way to improve these areas, his natural skillset and versatility, especially at his size could immediately help him develop into one of the best young guards in the league.
The talent is there, he just needs to put it all together.