The Washington Wizards are in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild. They have not made the playoffs since 2021, but it was not until last summer that Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis were traded. There will be a few lean years in the nation’s capital, but the Wizards are already building an exciting young core.
They had three first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. They used the second overall selection on Alex Sarr, and the front office believes he will be a star. Finding a seven-footer with his skill set is never easy, but Sarr may not even be the best player the Wizards drafted.
ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo polled 20 executives and scouts (subscription required) with their thoughts on this rookie class, and it was Carlton Carrington drawing the headlines for the Wizards.
NBA exec compares Carlton Carrington to Tyrese Maxey
The 6’4 guard got the most votes for being the steal of the draft. Washington traded Deni Avdija for the 14th overall pick and used the selection to take Carrington. The 19-year-old’s playmaking, scoring, rebounding, and overall play shined in Las Vegas. Front office members are certainly intrigued and none more than this Western Conference executive.
“ has the size, quickness, and game to be an All-Star. I see some Maxey in the way he plays."
Bub improved as his lone college season went on and had several draft experts singing his praises. He keeps getting better and showed even more gains in summer league. Carrington could quickly blossom into a star and go down as the best pick in this class.
Bub can play on or off the ball. He showed flashes as a scorer and creator in Sin City. The Wizards could have one of the best combo guards in the league for years to come.
The 19-year-old will get plenty of opportunities in the nation’s capital. Last season's starting point guard Tyus Jones signed with the Suns. Washington acquired Malcolm Brogdon in the Avdija trade, but the veteran could be moved quickly if Carrington is ready for 30-plus minutes every night.
Carlton Carrington is a Wizard to watch this season. They will be a young squad. Fans should not expect wins, but there will be excitement. Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Kyshawn George make an interesting young core with tons of upside. It is all about making things come together.
Will Bub be the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft? Do not rule it out. The best is certainly yet to come, and the early returns have already been surprising.