The Washington Wizards rough start to the season hasn't been what fans have hoped for in the slightes.
For a frustrated fanbase who's impatiently waiting on the Wizards to prove competitive in the Eastern Conference, it's clear that fans aren't exactly thrilled when it became quickly evident that Washington was tanking for yet another season.
Looking at how unlucky the Wizards have been over the last few offseasons, it's hard to argue that another mediocre season could be what's best for the team.
Between earning the No. 2 overall pick in arguably the weakest NBA Draft in recent memory and then following it up with a botched NBA Draft Lottery that left them outside of the top five despite being tied for the highest chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick just one offseason later, it's clear the Wizards aren't the most fortunate organization.
Despite that, it's clear that the Wizards are one player away from truly beiing close to competing in the East and with a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, it's hard to disagree with the efforts to secure a top pick.
Based on this recent NBA Mock Draft revealed by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, it's easy to see exactly why the Wizards have high hopes for what their lackluster regular season showing could award them.
Round 1, Pick 2: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
2025-26 Stats: 23.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 3.8 APG (55.9% FG, 37.2% 3PT)
Round 1, Pick 30 (via OKC): F Isaiah Evans, Duke
2025-26 Stats: 12.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.6 APG (38.8% FG, 32.4% 3PT)
Round 2, Pick 41: G Dailyn Swain, Texas
2025-26 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.5 APG (56.6% FG, 29.2% 3PT)
Round 2, Pick 48 (via PHX): C Amael L'Etang, Dayton
2025-26 Stats: 12.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 APG (51.2% FG, 36.7% 3PT)
Round 2, Pick 53 (via MIN): F Karter Knox, Arkansas
2025-26 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 APG (41.5% FG, 50.0% 3PT)
Round 2, Pick 60 (via OKC): G Jaron Pierre Jr., SMU
2025-26 Stats: 19.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.3 APG (47.3% FG, 32.1% 3PT)
Obviously, the top prospect from this respective mock is Cameron Boozer, who could be the prospect that immediately transends the Wizards rebuild.
Beyond that, Washington could find several hidden gems in the back half of the NBA Draft, especially when considering how good the team has been finding hidden gems in recent memory (shoutout Kyshawn George).
Although it's unlikely the Wizards use all six draft selections, there's a solid chance that this offseason could be the biggest one yet for the rebuilding group in the DMV.