The Washington Wizards season has officially come to an end as the team heads into a pivotal offseason for their rebuild.
Washington's fanbase has had a front row seat to watch their team work through the growing pains of one of the most trying seasons in recent memory. Not only were the Wizards one of the worst teams in the league, but in NBA history as a whole.
However, in a year where the Wizards were focused on development and positioning themselves towards the future of their long-awaited and much needed rebuild, there's plenty of encouraging things to take away from the last few months.
Though, the most encouraging signs of them all may have come over the last few weeks as this big man may hae officially secured himself a role on the Wizards moving forward.
Tristan Vukcevic has emerged as a key player
Tristan Vukcevic was selected by the Wizards with the No. 42 overall pick in the second-round of the 2023 NBA Draft. At the time of the selection, the 7-foot forward was more of a flier pick, as is majority of the players selected in the second round of the draft.
During his rookie season, the big man only played in 10 games before injury ended his first year early. The same injury kept the big man out for majority of this season as well, but when he was able to play, he proved each time that he may be more than just a developmental piece.
In 35 games, Vukcevic averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists, while shooting 49.6% from field goal range and 37.3% from three. And while his season stats alone were impressive, down the stretch he seemed to elevate his play as his confidence seemed to grow.
Through his final 5 games of the season, Vukcevic averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2 assists, while shooting 54.2% from field goal range and 55% from three. Of the forwards multiple impressive games, he may have saved the best for last posting 28 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the team's season finale against the Miami Heat.
Looking ahead, there's no doubt that if Vukcevic can put in the work over the offseason, he has the talent and versatility to be a key piece for the Wizards not only next season, but throughout their rebuild as a whole.
Nonetheless, the Wizards now head into the offseason where they have secured the highest odds to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft and potentially Cooper Flagg.