In the first year of their rebuild, the Washington Wizards have spent the majority of the season on the wrong side of the win column. Through injuries and a mid-season coaching change, the Wizards have struggled mightily. However, a few players have made improvements to their game, giving fans hope for what may be on the other end of this dark tunnel.
Currently, the Wizards hold the NBA's worst record at 9-50, something the team hopes will secure them the first overall pick in June's NBA Draft. As one of the league's younger teams, the goal for this year has turned away from winning. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is solely focused on stockpiling draft capital and developing his roster.
So far this year, the Wizards' roster has had some notable highs and some pitiful lows. Here are quick, one-sentence progress reports for each Wizards player thus far.
Yet to debut
Isaiah Livers
Traded to D.C. alongside Marvin Bagley III in January, Livers has potential but a hip injury has kept him inactive.
The 10-day contract
Justin Champagnie
As a bright spot in the G League this year, the Wizards took a flier on Champagnie and have not been disappointed yet.
The two-way contracts
Jules Bernard
Having logged 29 total minutes in the NBA, Bernard is a prospect who has found success in the G League.
Eugene Omoruyi
Omoruyi's high effort and intensity have levied a handful of runs in limited minutes for the Wizards.
Jared Butler
Establishing a role as a solid back-up option at guard, Butler has been a net positive when he sees game action.
The end-of-the-bench options
Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Bouncing back and forth between the G League and the NBA, Baldwin Jr. has struggled to find his footing in his second year with the team.
Johnny Davis
A former lottery pick, Davis has seen his share of chances with the Wizards and has yet to live up to his draft position.
Anthony Gill
Gill played somewhat consistently off the bench throughout the early part of the season but has since been relegated to the occasional mop-up duty.
The role players
Richaun Holmes
Acquired from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline, Holmes has posted strong minutes off the bench as Washington's back up big.
Landry Shamet
Recently stepping into some spot starts, Shamet has been an effective three-point shooter for the Wizards.
Corey Kispert
An efficient shooter, Kispert will likely find himself as a key player on the new great Wizards team.
Tyus Jones
Jones has done a stellar job limiting turnovers and providing a solid three-point shot to the Wizards' offense this season.
Marvin Bagley III
The team's starting center, Bagley III has been a solid scorer and a very impressive rebounder since he arrived in the District.
The core pieces
Bilal Coulibaly
Although Coulibaly's role has changed throughout the year, the rookie's pure talent and strong work ethic give him the potential of someone the team should build around in the future.
Deni Avdija
Avdija has made a major step forward with his offensive game this season, especially his driving attack.
Kyle Kuzma
Leading the team in points per game, Kuzma made his commitment to the Wizards clear after rampant trade deadline rumors.
Jordan Poole
The Wizards' highest-paid player, Poole has faced Wizards fans with some of the team's best moments and worst moments throughout a rollercoaster campaign.