The Washington Wizards seem to be one player away from finally being able to make a push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
With several young players on the roster, the Wizards have an abundance of talent on the roster that can help the team finally get out of the rebuilding stage and give the fanbase a team that they can be proud of.
However, the Wizards aren't quite to that point yet and for the team to get there, they'll need to be in position to take another swing on a top pick this offseason.
With the likes of prospects like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa headlining the talent in the 2026 NBA Draft class, Washington has to find a way to earn a top pick this coming offseason.
Adding another premiere talent alongside the likes of Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson and emerging star Kyshawn George could put the Wizards in the conversation for having the best young core in the league.
With a 1-7 start to the season, Washington has put themselves in prime position to be in the mix for the top overall pick this offseason; assuming the Wizards don't turn things around at any point this season.
Unfortunately, Washington won't be the only team in eyeing the chance to make a run at the No. 1 overall pick this coming offseason.
In fact, one of the team's biggest competition for the top overall selection just received major news that impacts their odds to be in the mix for the top pick.
Jazz lose Walker Kessler for the season
The Utah Jazz were one of two teams tied with the Wizards for the highest odds entering the NBA Draft Lottery this past offseason.
Obviously, both teams found themselves on the unlucky side of the draw, landing the No. 5 and No. 6 overall pick.
However, the fact of the matter is Utah very well could be in the mix for the top pick again this offseason, especially following the news that the Jazz will be without starting big man Walker Kessler for the rest of the season.
Utah's Walker Kessler is undergoing season-ending left shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2025
For the Jazz, losing Kessler may not seem like a big deal considering Utah currently sits with a 3-5 record to start the season.
Nonetheless, losing a defensive anchor and a reliable body in the frontcourt will be a hard loss to overcome throughout an 82-game season, which could give Utah the extra boost of motivation to make one last push for a top player in the NBA Draft similar to Washington.
All that to say, the Wizards competition to land a top prospect this offseason has been impacted in a major way following the injury news from Salt Lake City.