The Washington Wizards brought in Anthony Davis and Trae Young to lead the team from the depths of despair to the realm of the relevant. Many have argued that it was a necessary move, as Washington has won 18 or fewer games in each of the past three seasons.
As the preseason progresses and the Wizards' young players begin to show the form they're capable of sustaining, however, it's clear that the clock is already ticking on the Davis and Young era.
AJ Dybantsa is the big name whom many expect to surpass Davis and Young in the scoring hierarchy sooner than later. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and led all Division I players in scoring as a true freshman during the 2025-26 campaign.
Dybantsa is also already showcasing three-level scoring potential during a preseason that's been largely defined by the remarkable potential of the talent beyond the star duo.
Joining Dybantsa has been Kyshawn George. George was Washington's breakout player in 2025-26 before injuries disrupted his momentum, and he's picking up where he left off. He's been scoring, creating for his teammates, and shooting with impressive results, and most recently had 21 points in 25 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets.
Though Dybantsa and George may not be ready to lead the Wizards to the playoffs today, they're not quite as far as they may seem—nor are their teammates.
Wizards' youth movement could outgrow the stars sooner than later
In addition to Dybantsa and George, the Wizards have a high-level big in Alex Sarr to anchor the interior. Sarr has flown under the radar, but he competes on defense and is coming off of a season during which he increased his slash line from .394/.308/.679 as a rookie to .482/.333/.692.
If Sarr continues to improve at his current rate, then two-way success as a starting center will be in his future—and though that should help Davis, it could also ultimately make him dispensable.
With three players who are productive, well-rounded, and seemingly improving, the Wizards have a core worth building with. The question, of course, is how far they can progress—and which of their teammates can step up to bridge the proverbial gap.
Tre Johnson is a candidate to do exactly that as a rangy shooter with three-level scoring potential and a strong preseason further fueling belief in his potential.
Wizards need Anthony Davis and Trae Young—but for how long?
Throw in defensive ace and seemingly improved shooter Bilal Coulibaly—yes, it's only preseason but there are signs of progress—and a motivated Bub Carrington, and Washington has an interesting core. Unfortunately, minutes and touches will be tough to come by with Davis and Young at the helm.
Considering Davis will turn 34 in March and Young plays a ball-dominant style while committing less than he arguably should on defense, it's safe to ponder how long it will take before the up-and-comers are playing a style that doesn't necessarily suit their growth.
Clearly, Davis and Young leading the Wizards back to the playoffs would buy them time. Potentially sacrificing their own touches as the up-and-comers grow would also be ideal. One simply can't help but wonder how long the Davis and Young era will last if the up-and-comers continue to progress and the team results fail to justify a lesser role.
The Wizards certainly need Davis and Young at this moment, but landing Dybantsa meant Washington added yet another essential piece to a promising core—and the clock is ticking until they need more than the stars may be willing to give up.
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