The Washington Wizards have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past seven or so months. They acquired two All-NBA players in Anthony Davis and Trae Young, and utilized the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft to add rising star forward AJ Dybantsa.
Though the star power is undeniably appealing, it's third-year forward Kyshawn George who holds the key to the Wizards' legitimacy as a playoff team.
George, 22, took a significant step forward during his second season before an elbow injury put him on the sidelines. It was a welcome sight, as he struggled during his rookie season at 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.7 blocks, and 1.7 three-point field goals made in 26.5 minutes per game on .372/.322/.753 shooting.
George improved in almost every area in year two, averaging 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.9 blocks, and 2.1 three-point field goals made in 29.0 minutes per game on .438/.381/.802 shooting.
George's development as an all-around player is not only an encouraging sign, but a key factor in what the future of the Wizards may hold. His playmaking will be essential to ensuring the offense doesn't run too heavily between the stars, and his shooting enables him to be on the floor with any one of his teammates.
Assuming George can sustain his growth and become more consistent on defense, the Wizards could be a legitimate playoff team with him as the glue.
Kyshawn George can be the glue guy who legitimizes the Wizards
Young is a phenomenal playmaker, but he's also one of the most ball dominant players in the NBA. That made him a polarizing figure with the Atlanta Hawks, as the offense had a tendency to become predictable with him always at the heart of it.
The presence of another All-NBA player in Davis and a promising young scorer in Dybantsa should take the ball out of Young's hands more often, but neither are known to be playmakers.
George, meanwhile, can handle the ball, create for his teammates, and dribble past defenders. That translated to 8.3 drives and 8.1 potential assists per game in 2025-26. If he can sustain and perhaps even build upon those numbers, then the Wizards' offense will be less predictable and the game will be simplified for the stars and supporting players alike.
If George is overshadowed by his teammates and doesn't receive the touches he needs, however, then the Wizards will run the risk of overburdening the stars and undervaluing the supporting cast.
The key factor in George occupying the role over a player like Bub Carrington is that he's arguably the best shooter on the team. In 2025-26, he shot a mind-blowing 42.3 percent on catch-and-shoot threes—an elite figure that creates off-ball value to complement his on-ball ability.
Injuries and chemistry are the biggest factors team-wide, but it's George who holds the key to the Wizards becoming a truly balanced unit and avoiding an over-reliance on the stars.
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