Ranking the top 3 Wizards players through the opening week of the NBA

The Washington Wizards opened the regular season last Thursday against the Boston Celtics.

Since Washington has played a few more games with their new-look roster, they now find themselves fully underway in what many expect to be a long season. The Wizards have hopes that they can be sneaky competitive this season with their young roster, but expectations should be tempered for fans.

Nonetheless, through multiple games and nearly a week of play under their belt, here’s a look at the top players from the Wizards start to the season.

Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole was handed the keys to the offense early with first-year coach Brian Keefe instilling confidence in his starting guard. The Michigan product entered the season looking to prove the team made the right choice with their decision to make him the primary ball handler, and through the opening week of the season, he’s done just that.

Poole has been playing with patience and confidence from the jump, and he looks poised for a breakout season with the Wizards. The 25-year-old is averaging 22 points, five assists, and one rebound while adding on three steals per game to start the year.

If he can continue playing with his current level of efficiency and aggression, he could lead the Wizards to more wins than many expected.

Bilal Coulibaly

Bilal Coulibaly entered the season with all eyes on him. The former No. 7 overall pick from last year’s draft showed signs throughout his rookie campaign that proved he could be a cornerstone for the organization as a full rebuild seems to loom.

At 6-foot-8, the two-way guard has the length on defense and the creativity on offense to develop into a playmaker on both sides of the floor. With an improved jumper and tough-nosed defense, Coulibaly could be leaping right in front of the Wizards’ fans' eyes.

To start the season, the French product is averaging 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 50% shooting from the field. If he can play this well throughout the full 82-game season, his future in Washington looks very promising.

Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas joined the Wizards in the offseason in one of the more puzzling moves of free agency. Many wondered why he signed to Washington considering the state of the organization, but the big man seemingly saw a future.

The center seemed poised to be the starter for the Wizards to start the year, but through three games, he’s only found his way into the starting lineup once. Despite that, the 32-year-old has still made an impact for the Wizards in his time on the court.

Valanciunas is averaging a near double-double with 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and two assists on 55.6% shooting from the field in 21.3 minutes per game.

As the season continues, this list is subject to change. But for now, these players are standing out for the Wizards.