The Washington Wizards bought low on Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, and they will quickly find out that he is still one of the best two-way players in the world when healthy. AD is coming off arguably his worst season since his rookie year and was still one of only two players to average over 20 points and 1.3 blocks per game. The other was Victor Wembanyama. Davis is a game-changer that will help Washington get back into contention if he’s healthy.
The Wizards are committed to AD. Teams were calling to try to acquire the future Hall of Famer to pair with LeBron James, but Washington shut down that interest. They know exactly what he brings to the table and believe that Davis is an important leader for their young core.
The 33-year-old has a lengthy injury history, but it hasn’t sapped his on-court production. When Davis is in the lineup, he plays at an elite level. Wizards fans will soon find out. He has recovered from his season-ending injury and is ready to make an impact.
Anthony Davis is still one of the best two-way forces in the NBA
Davis finished eighth in rebounds and ninth in blocks per game last season. He appeared in just 20 contests, and his minutes were his lowest since his rookie campaign. In 2025, AD was fourth in blocks, seventh in rebounding, and 15th in points per game. That doesn’t mention his playmaking or ability to generate steals. Davis is still elite and reminds fans why he made the NBA 75 every time he takes the floor.
Wizards fans shouldn’t be surprised. They saw him win a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and be a fixture in the All-Star Game. Washington is so high on him that they have catered to his longtime wish to play power forward and refused to trade him for more than what they just paid.
Davis will be one of the best rebounders and rim protectors in the NBA this season, along with providing elite scoring. Washington traded for Trae Young and AD to contend. Add in AJ Dybantsa, and this could be one of the league’s biggest surprises. They need to keep Davis healthy and convince Trae Young to play off the ball more. If they do, the Wizards could quickly turn a corner.
Davis has averaged just 46.5 games per season over the last six years. The injuries have been a problem, but they haven’t sapped his production. Washington can’t expect too much. AD has reached the 65-game requirement for awards just once in the last eight years, but he will put up numbers when he plays.
The Wizards hope using him as a power forward keeps him healthier. Davis won’t have to be in the paint battling big men, but it could impact his rebounding and shot blocking. Still, AD will make a massive impact because that is what stars do.
The Washington Wizards will quickly find out that Anthony Davis still has it. He is one of two players with elite scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking numbers, and the other is Wemby. Wizards fans will quickly fall in love. It will be AD’s health that determines how this phase of his career is remembered. History suggests it could be a problem, but only time will tell.
