The Washington Wizards rebuild has been ongoing for the last couple years and fans are already eagerly looking forward to the process coming to an end.
Although the rebuild hasn't been a long process thus far, it's easy to understand why fans are growing impatient considering it's been quite awhile since they've gotten the opportunity to see their team win.
After years of losing, it takes a toll on the organization and all parties involved, including the fanbase.
Fortunately, after a fairly impressive offseason with multiple intriguing moves such as the additions of CJ McCollum, Cam Whitmore and incoming rookie Tre Johnson, the momentum has seemingly swung in favor of the Wizards potentially taking a leap next season.
Then again, following an 18-win season, that's not saying too much with the bar so low entering the 2025-26 season.
However, while fans want the Wizards to turn their struggles around and start stringing together wins with their new-look roster, that may not be what's best for their future according to The Athletic's Josh Robbins who covers the team.
In a recent episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, Robbins dropped by to share his thoughts on the outlook of the team's looming season.
The beat writer made it clear that for the Wizards to take the next step, it's in their best interest to put winning on hold in efforts to secure as high of a draft pick as possible.
Robbins response to Wizards fans saying "at some point you have to win":
"I agree with that, but I don't think it's this year," Robins said. "You have to come away with this upcoming draft with someone that you can say 'if everything goes right with this individual, he will be (at his best) a perennial All-NBA potential player."
Obviously, it's not what the fanbase wants to hear, but the hard truth may be the best advice.
Even with Johnson coming in, the Texas standout at his best likely won't amount to the type of player a generational talent like Cooper Flagg will at his best.
While stranger things have happened, it's hard to say that Johnson is the player that the Wizards should end their rebuild on.
It would be wiser for Washington to lose as many games as it takes to secure them a top draft pick to land a premiere talent that could be the cornerstone the team desperately needs.
If extending the rebuild one more year puts winning on hold but rewards the team with a talent like AJ Dybantsa, it's safe to say it'll be worth it in the long run.