The Washington Wizards, for the first time in a long time, are being viewed as a team that could seriously make some noise in the Eastern Conference next season.
Washington's roster entering next season features a young core highlighted by reigning No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and a veteran group of Trae Young and Anthony Davis leading the way.
Between the young core, All-Stars on the roster, and a revamped coaching staff, expectations are higher than they've ever been.
Still, even with the wave of confidence from within, there have been plenty of critics who have taken every chance possible to take a jab at the struggling organization, with Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams coming to mind.
However, the comments from one of the top sports agents in the league, Rich Paul, prove that the optimism surrounding the Wizards ahead of next season isn't just internal false hope.
Rich Paul list the Wizards as the sleeper in the East
On a recent episode of the Game Over podcast, Paul made it clear that he has high expectations for the Wizards entering next season.
When discussing Washington's new-look roster with co-host Max Kellerman, LeBron James' longtime agent made it clear that his eyes are on the Wizards to prove a lot of people wrong.
"Washington, mark my words, they are the sleeper in the East," Paul said.
Paul's comments should, without a doubt, carry weight because while he's not an active player or an NBA legend, he's been around the league for a long time.
The agent holds conversations with teams around the league on a daily basis, has great relationships with top players in the league, and he's seen the behind-the-scenes work that has helped build contenders, a lot of which stems from his relationship with his client LeBron James.
Obviously, the Wizards silencing their doubters is a task that only they can accomplish, but with Paul giving his words of confidence, it can be viewed as a stamp of approval that suggests Washington's fanbase isn't the only one that believes they can make a run next year.
The talent is there, and Washington has the perfect mixture of young talent and veterans on the roster that can help the team make a run in the East next season.
Only time will tell how good the Wizards actually can be, but there's growing confidence they can be a team to make some noise next year.
Add us as a preferred source on Google