3 Studs, 3 Duds from the Wizards' preseason opener vs. Raptors

The Washington Wizards' first preseason game has come and gone. After the team’s 125-98 loss against the Toronto Raptors, it’s time to take a look at some of the best performances from Sunday and some of the worst.

That said, here’s a look at the bright spots from the team’s opener in Toronto.

Stud - Jordan Poole

The Wizards' confidence in Jordan Poole never seemed to waiver throughout the offseason. In fact, first-year head coach Brian Keefe made it a point to declare the Michigan product as the team’s starting point guard before the preseason even began.

The team has desperately sought efficiency from their primary ball handler and hoped Poole could develop into one with the keys to the offseason. At times last year, the guard showed promise but he also showed plenty of moments to be frustrated about.

However, on Sunday, Poole looked a lot more comfortable with the ball in his hand. The 25-year-old was able to create for himself and others on offense which is a great sign moving forward for Keefe and the Wizards. The playmaker finished the game leading the team in points (16) while adding on six assists.

If this is a sign of what’s to come this upcoming season, Washington could be in for a treat.

Dud - Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma emerged since joining the Wizards in 2021. The versatile forward is an explosive playmaker and one of the most underrated facilitating wings in the league.

The Utah alum was a hot commodity in the trade market over the offseason as many teams hoped to lure his services away from the Wizards. However, general manager Will Dawkins opted to hold onto the 29-year-old in the hopes of the team being able to surprise the league this year.

Unfortunately, if the team hopes to do that, they’ll need more from Kuzma than what they saw on Sunday. The forward finished the game shooting one-for-seven in the team’s preseason opener with two points, five rebounds, one assist, and three turnovers.

In a season where Kuzma could have the offense run solely through him, his lackluster play against the Raptors is not what you’d hope to see from a player of his caliber. 

Stud - Alex Sarr

After a poor Summer League outing, Alex Sarr was labeled a bust before he even got the chance to play meaningful minutes in an NBA uniform. And while the 19-year-old still has a long way to go in his NBA journey, he started his tenure with the Wizards main roster on the right foot against Toronto.

Sarr finished the game with 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. The big man shot six-for-eight from the floor and knocked down three triples in the loss.

The Frenchman’s ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot and play make for his teammates is a great sign moving forward for Washington. Not to mention his ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes at a high rate.

In a league full of elite talent, it would be huge for the Wizards to have a future superstar on their hands yet again.

Dud - Bub Carrington

The injury to Malcolm Brogdon put Bub Carrington in a position to get a boost in his minutes during the team’s preseason opener. The team’s lottery pick showed flashes of his high potential in the Summer League and many believe the first-round pick can contribute early,

Unfortunately, in his 18 minutes of play, the 6-foot-4 combo guard struggled immensely on the offense end. The guard shot one-for-eight from the floor, including missing all four of the three-point attempts he took.

Despite the poor offensive performance, Carrington did show off his ability to get to the free-throw line at a high rate. Finding his way to the line to shoot seven free throws helped the Pitt product end the game with seven points to pair with his two rebounds and one assist.

Stud - Bilal Coulibaly

Bilal Coulibaly is another name many have high expectations for entering the season. The linky guard could be a huge piece for the Wizards this year if he can leap during his sophomore season.

On Sunday, the former No. 7 overall pick found himself playing the most minutes (24) on the team. In his extended run, the France native totaled up 10 points and two rebounds on 66.6% shooting from the floor. In addition, Coulibaly racked up two steals and two blocks in the loss.

With the two-way guard in line to receive a lot of minutes over the coming season, Coulibaly’s performance on Sunday shows promise for a jump in the upcoming season.

Dud - Jonas Valanciunas 

Jonas Valanciunas was the Wizards' big offseason addition in free agency. When the big man signed with Washington, many were confused about what his fit would be with a rebuilding team.

However, slotting in as the starting center, looked like a win-win position for the veteran to have a career season on a young team with the Wizards having the option to deal him during the season.

However, on Sunday, the 7-footer struggled in his first game with the Wizards. Valanciunas ended the game with three points on one-of-five shooting while adding on six rebounds. In addition, the center tagged on two fouls and three turnovers in his limited playing time.

Bad games happen of course, and it’s not much to read into. But considering the contract Washington gave him, the Wizards will need more impact from the 32-year-old moving forward.