The Washington Wizards entered the season looking to take a step forward and prove that not only was their rebuild moving in the right direction, but that they could compete in what many labeled as a wide-open Eastern Conference this season.
Between the offseason additions of CJ McCollum, Cam Whitmore and a loaded rookie class headlined by Tre Johnson, mixed with the potential sophomore leaps from talented players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington, Washington's revamped depth chart had the talent to make some noise.
However, through the first month of the season, it's become abundantly clear that the Wizards just aren't ready to compete yet, and that's even with the emergence of both Sarr and George to start the season.
At this point, it's safe to say Washington is still missing one player before being a force in the East and with that being the case, the biggest win of this season for the Wizards should be any promise shown from the team's young core.
That said, the team's goal for the regular season should simply be to get the highest pick possible this offseason.
With several big time prospects headlining the 2026 NBA Draft, Washington could be in posiition to finally land the missing piece of the puzzle that puts them back in the mix.
Looking ahead, here's a look at the top prospects in this coming offseason's NBA Draft that could change the team's future.
G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson has gained plenty of hype entering the season and largely because he looks like one of the top guard prospects in recent memory.
Averaging 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3 assists, the 6-foot-6 guard has the size, speed and skillset to be an immediate star at the next-level.
Considering his potential, he could be the futue for the Wizards backcourt that allows the team to move forward feeling their biggest roster question has been answered.
G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Mikel Brown Jr. may not be getting the same amount of hype as the rest of the prospects on this list, but there's no doubt he deserves to be in the conversation.
The Louisville freshman has emerged to start the year with his elite play, averaging 19.3 points, 6.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds.
Not only has he been a key for the Cardinals success, but his ability to get himself going while setting up his teammates for success is the exact skillset the Wizards need on their roster.
F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer has answered the call early since the Duke Blue Devil's season began. The 6-foot-9 forward often looks like the best player on the court in nearly every matchup and largely due to the fact he is.
Averaging 18.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4 assists, he would be the perfect running mate alongside Alex Sarr in the Wizards frontcourt.
F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa entered his freshman season at BYU projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Massachussetts natve has proven exactly why, averaging 18.7 points, 7 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Cougars to start the season.
Dybantsa is another prospect that very well could be a great addition for the Wizards this offseason.
All that to say, Washington has to find a way to land a top pick, especially considering it could change the team's future for the better.