The Washington Wizards poor start to the season added frustrations to a fanbase that has become impatient about the team's lengthy stretch of medicority.
It's clear that the Wizards aren't close to competing in the Eastern Conference yet and while their poor record and placement at the bottom of the NBA standing is without a doubt disappointing for a season that seemed to have the potential for a major leap, there are some positives to take away from the Wizards bizarre start.
For starters, the sophomore leaps of Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George have provided some groundwork that suggest the Wizards could have a pair of building blocks to move forward with.
In addition, the financial flexibility and the surplus of assets for the young team suggest Washington could be positioned to make a bold move ahead of the trade deadline if the right deal presents itself.
However, of the positives to take away from the Wizards start, arguably the biggest is the fact that Washington is posed to make a run for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft; a draft class that many are labeling as a loaded class full of talented prospects.
For Washington, being a clear player away from competing in the East, landing the top pick could do wonders in the Wizards journey to answer their biggest roster question the team has failed to answer over the course of the last few season.
And if Jonathan Wasserman's recent NBA Mock Draft for Bleacher Report deems true, Washington's biggest weakness could be deemed as their biggest strength moving forward.
Wizards land impressive draft class led by Darryn Peterson
Following Wasserman mock draft, here's a look at how the Wizards future draft class could end up looking ahead.
Round 1, Pick 1: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Round 1, Pick 30 (via OKC): C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Round 2, Pick 41 (via CHI): F Malik Reneau, Miami
Round 2, Pick 45 (via PHX): G Dailyn Swain, Texas
Round 2, Pick 53 (via MIN:) F Karter Knox, Arkansas
Round 2, Pick 60 (via OKC): G Jaron Pierre Jr., SMU
Obviously, the Wizards bringing in a draft class of six prospects likely won't be the result for Washington, especially if the team expects to be active in the trade market between now and next offseason.
However, if the Wizards were able to land a class headlined by Darryn Peterson and somehow snag a talent klike Dailyn Swain in the second round, Washington's backcourt could be viewed as one of the brightest position groups on the team moving forward.
A backcourt pairing of Peterson and Tre Johnson, with Bub Carrington and Dailyn Swain coming off the bench would be a dangerous foundation to build on moving forward.
Not to mention how impactful the addition of Peterson would be for the development of Alex Sarr moving forward.
All that to say, if the Wizards could pull together this type of draft class this offseason, it feels safe to say the struggles would be worth the return.