The NBA Draft is finally here with the Washington Wizards set to make their top pick at No. 6 overall in less than 8 hours now.
Washington has gathered plenty of interest in their draft strategy over the last couple of weeks and tonight, we finally see what general manager Will Dawkins has in store for his team in what could be a pivotal draft for the Wizards rebuild.
That said, let's take a few moments to look back on all of the recent reports and rumors surrounding the Wizardsheading into draft night.
Ace Bailey prefers WAS
First and foremost, recent rumors suggests that the Wizards are among the preferred landing spots for top prospect Ace Bailey who has made headlines after cancelling a draft visit with the Philadelphia 76ers last week leaving him as the lone US prospect to not hold a visit with any of the 30 NBA teams.
Bailey holds unreal potential to be a superstar at the next level and with his camp seemingly looked to dictate his landing spot on Wednesday, Washington seems to firmly be in the mix to select Bailey, who seemed like a long shot to select after falling to the No. 6 overall pick in May's NBA Draft Lottery.
Wizards interested in trade up for Edgecombe/Bailey
Prior to the news of Bailey potentially falling, the Wizards were viewed as a team that could be positioning themselves for a bold trade up with heavy interest in Ace Bailey and Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe.
Both players have star potential at the next level, but Edgecombe in specific has gained momentum to be selected in the top three following a strong showing at the NBA Combine.
If the Wizards stand firm at No. 6, Edgecombe will almost certainly be off the board while Bailey very well could fall. However, Washington could opt to decide their own fate and trade up if they feel a deal to guarantee one of the two players benefits them.
Wizards confident in landing top prospect at No. 6
Washington has held confidence throughout this entire process that a top prospect would slide to them at No. 6 overall, even before the buzz about a Bailey slide began to surface.
The Wizards seemed content staying at No. 6 if no trade materialized even before Bailey's potential slide set to shakeup the entire draft.
Wizards no longer have a second-round pick
Following the Wizards blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, the Wizards no longer hold the rights to the No. 40 overall pick.
Heading into the NBA Draft with two first round picks at No. 6 and No. 18 overall, the Wizards are set to introduce only two incoming rookies barring a draft night change.