The Washington Wizards have gone years since a draft pick of theirs has developed into a key player for the team.
The Wizards are stuck between rebuilding and competing with no clear plan for the future. With the team looking to stay competitive, the team has been hoping for someone to step up and seize the opportunity that playing for a young team presents.
Many turn their focus towards rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, or Kyshawn George as the players who could be in line to step up and show out for the Wizards this year. Or even the potential breakout from Jordan Poole or second-year man Bilal Coulibaly.
However, the one player who may be set to make the biggest impact this season may be flying under the radar.
Corey Kispert looks poised to make a leap
Corey Kispert was drafted with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, The Gonzaga product played four seasons in college and improved yearly. Entering as a rookie, the Wizards had high hopes for the forward. Kispert showed plenty of flashes of his lethal shooting, but he wasn’t as consistent as many hoped he could be
Nonetheless, through three preseason games, Kispert has looked like he may be poised to turn heads this upcoming season. In the last two games, the 25-year-old is averaging 17 points per contest. Shooting 60% from field goal range and 50% from three, the sharpshooter could be in line for a huge season if he can continue his efficiency from the field on jump shots.
If Kispert can make the jump, not only would it help the Wizards' front office make a decision on his future with the team, but also give the organization a clear vision of what the team needs heading into the offseason. If Sarr can develop and Kispert can take a leap, the team could turn to find a point guard of the future.
In addition, a leap from Kispert could also raise the wing’s market value which could lead to Washington getting assets in return if they choose to do right by him and send him to a contender rather than suiting up for a rebuilding franchise.
Nonetheless, in a year with a club option for the team, there’s no better time than now for the former first-round pick to show what he has to offer.
Kispert will be a player to continue to monitor for a breakout year as the regular season continues to loom around the corner.