Entering the season, Corey Kispert found himself as one of the longest-tenured Washington Wizards on the roster outside of long-time veteran staple Anthony Gill.
Kispert was drafted by the Wizards with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, where many hoped he could develoop into a sharpshooting wing that could help the team finally get over the hump in the Eastern Conference.
However, plans quickly changed when the team opted to move on from franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal and initiate the much-needed rebuild the team's fanbase impatiently waited for.
The Gonzaga product found himself as one of the team's key prospects towards taking the next steps with him becoming the player leading the charge into Washington's new phase.
Nonetheless, after five seasons in Washington, it became clear that Kispert's skillset wasn't one the team they felt they could build around, with his ceiling seeming to be a viable 3-and-D role player rather than a building block.
Fast forward to this season, when Washington saw the emergence of second-year player's Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, the team began to scan the league for potential upgrades that could help the team not only get one step closer to returning to the postseason, but finding a talent that could assists the young core into taking an additional leap forward.
When four-time All-Star Trae Young became available, negotiations quickly heated up with Washington being listed as the guard's preferred landing spot.
CJ McCollum's contract was the center point of the outgoing package sent to the Atlanta Hawks, but when the team made it clear they coveted Washington's 26-year-old forward in Kispert, the Wizards decided including him in the deal would be worth it.
On Thursday night, not only did Kispert get his revenge by showcasing exactly what the Wizards moved on from posting a career-high 33 points, but he also took the time to reflect on his tenure in the DMV.
Corey Kispert reflects on Wizards tenure
Following the Hawks' dominant win over the Wizards on Thursday, Kispert spoke about his time in Washington revealing exactly what it meant to him and more:
"Hopefully, getting to be a part of their growth and development was a highlight of mine, so best of luck to the Wizards," Kispert said. "It was super fun to play with them over the last couple of days"
It's clear the former first-round pick enjoyed his experience in Washington and although he may not be around anymore, the hope is that he left his mark on the team's future in one way or another