The Washington Wizards enter a pivotal season as the franchise remains stuck between a full rebuild and attempting to compete in the East.
Washington’s roster has a solid mixture of young players and veterans heading into the season. Many have their eyes set on the development of lottery picks Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington, but there could be another rookie to keep an eye out for this upcoming season.
Kyle Kuzma shares high praise for Kyshawn George
Kyle Kuzma is now the longest-tenured Wizard on the roster, and his time in Washington could be coming to an end, as his future in D.C. remains up in the air. However, the reliable frontcourt option shared his thoughts on rookie Kyshawn George, whom the team has high hopes for this season.
I referred to Kyshawn George as a forward on media day. Both he and Bub corrected me and referred to him as a guard.
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) October 17, 2024
I asked Kyle Kuzma what he considers Kyshawn to be, and his answer was encouraging.
Point forward-esque. Think Mikal Bridges archetype. pic.twitter.com/TWtJ7QhBBs
George enters as a 6-foot-8 forward who has shown his ability to handle the ball and use his skills as a facilitator in the Wizards offense. If the Miami product can continue to develop his all-around game, he could be a rotation player for Washington from the jump with a chance to turn into a future star.
Kuzma’s comparison of George to Knicks star Mikal Bridges should be music to Wizards fans' ears entering the season. With George being able to run the offense and play in pick-and-roll situations while also posing a threat as a reliable shooter, the Wizards could have found a diamond in the rough with their draft night acquisition of the first-rounder.
In addition, as the season looms, the unfortunate injury of Malcolm Brogdon could be a blessing in disguise for the team’s long-term goals. The opportunity to give George an increased role will not only advance his development but give the Wizards more depth when Brogdon is available to return from injury.
With the veterans the 20-year-old gets to learn under, he’s in a prime position to take the league by storm. Especially if he can continue building off his early success from preseason.
Looking ahead, if the Wizards are active ahead of the trade deadline this upcoming season, one name that could be on the move is Kuzma.
Although Kuzma is an essential piece to the Wizards' core right now, he doesn’t fit the timeline of Washington’s rebuild which could incline general manager Will Dawkins to do right by Kuzma by trading him to a contending team for draft assets and possibly more young talent.
Nonetheless, with Brogdon missing time and Kuzma potentially being dealt, the “ point forward” could be in line for a huge rookie season. George will have one more chance to showcase his skillset before the season starts in the Wizards' preseason finale against the Knicks on Friday.