The Washington Wizards have absolutely been a sight for sore eyes to watch this season. There's no denying the fact that the Wizards have looked like the worst team in the league this season, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Obviously the Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, and the current structure of the roster doesn't exactly scream that they'll be on the uphill climb any time soon. Fortunately for them without sugar coating it, this is the perfect season for any team to suck.
The upcoming NBA Draft class has been raved about for years and the Wizards could be putting themselves in position to find their future cornerstone to build around. And after what looks like it will be a rough rest of the season, this is perhaps the main thing that fans of the Wizards can look forward to.
At 2-18, the Wizards are. currently projected to have the No. 1 overall draft pick. So looking ahead, here's my picks for where I believe the Wizards could lean towards on draft night with the picks in the first two rounds.
Round 1, Pick 1: F Cooper Flagg, Duke
Cooper Flagg is the blue chip prospect every team is eyeing as the NBA offseason nears. Of course, in this loaded draft class there's plenty of reason to want to be at the top of the first round, but Flagg is one of the most highly-coveted prospects in recent memory outside of Victor Wembanyama.
The Duke star has shown his ability to act as a ball handler and a willing facilitator in his freshman season with the Blue Devils. Pairing his playmaking ability to his elite ability to score on all areas of the court, Flagg could be the guy to bring Washington back into contention.
Round 2, Pick 38 (via Pistons) G Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes
In the second round, most teams tend to bank on drafting low-risk, high-reward prospects and Dink Pate is exactly that. At 6-foot-8, the combo guard has all the tools to be an absolute nightmare at the next level. However, he's still a raw prospect who's a work in progress.
Nonetheless, he could be worth the risk for Brian Keefe and the Wizards.
Round 2, Pick 50 (via Suns) C Zvonimir Ivisic, Arkansas
The Wizards will likely opt to select a big man to pair alongside Alex Sarr at some point during this upcoming NBA Draft. Zvonimir Ivisic would be the perfect prospect to do just that. The seven footer is a menace on the defensive end and he has the ability to stretch the floor with an improving shot.
He could be an underrated grab if he falls that low to the Wizards.
Round 2, Pick 51 (via Warriors) G/F Koby Brea, Kentucky
Koby Brea may not be there at this point in the draft, but if he is, it seems like a no-brainer situation to grab the versatile wing. Brea can shoot with the best of them and serve as a playmaker on offense if needed. The only true knock is his inconsistency on defense, but that can be worked around in the NBA.