The Washington Wizards are in a pivotal season of a rebuild for the team as they look towards the future.
Washington opened the season 4-23 and their odds to win the No. 1 overall draft pick sweepstakes have drastically increased as the season continues. The Wizards are in the perfect place to snag their own building block for the future with blue chip prospects such as Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper coming to mind.
As of now, the Wizards are in prime position to grab the top spot in the NBA Draft. And while their historically rough start to the season is frustrating for both players on the team and fans supporting them, there's absolutely no reason to turn the season around now and risk moving the top spot to choose their pick of the litter in this loaded draft class.
However, while the team seems to be destined for the top overall pick, some players on the roster may not be in position to help them now or even in the long term.
Jordan Poole sinks game winner that could risk Wizards chance at top pick
The Wizards returned to action on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets just one week following their last win over LaMelo Ball and company last week. For majority of the game, Washington seemed to be in control with a lead that grew all the way to 21 points.
Nonetheless, Washington looked to be poised to do Wizard things by blowing the lead when the Hornets came storming back late in the fourth quarter. And just when it looked like the Wizards would indeed drop their 24th game of the season, Jordan Poole turned back the clock and became the team's savior.
Poole knocked down a late three that put the Wizards on top that led to Washington surviving Charlotte with a 113-110 win. Earning their fifth win of the season, normally this would be something to celebrate. However, as the team's season already seems to be completely lost, the more they win, the less their chances are to secure the top overall pick.
In a season where the Wizards want to be at the bottom, any win could be bitter sweet for their future outlook. And while most nights Poole's loaded stats lead to losses, he still gives the team the chance to pull out a win on any given night which could be the downfall of their Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
That said. if general manager Will Dawkins truly is putting his team in position to grab the top pick, the Wizards may want to consider moving on from the Michigan product before the NBA Trade Deadline passes.