After being selected by the Washington Wizards 21st overall in 2025, forward Will Riley impressed in his rookie season. He averaged 10.3 points per game, including 18 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over seven contests in April. He was one of the positive takeaways from Washington's dismal 2025-26 season.
On top of that, Riley had an impressive NBA Summer League, where he scored 25 points in each of the two contests he played in before the Wizards brass shut him down. The flashes made him one of the most intriguing players entering the season.
Riley has found himself out of the rotation to start this season. He didn't see a minute of action against the Milwaukee Bucks and only played in garbage time against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
And while the team looks much improved, needless to say, it’s a head-scratching move.
Will Riley’s strengths fit what the Wizards need
The choice not to have Riley in the rotation at all would be understandable if that spot were being filled by guys who do what he does better, but that is not the case.
Outside of four-time All-Star and one-time assist champion Trae Young, this team lacks creators and ball handlers that can get others involved, and that is where Riley can step in to help.
His ability to create not only for himself but also for others, especially at his size (6'10"), makes him a valuable piece for any bench in the league looking to bolster its production.
While his shooting can still be a bit inconsistent, there’s so much to like. The longer this goes on, the fewer answers there will be for why he isn’t at least given a chance to play when it matters.
AJ Dybantsa is out and Will Riley still isn't receiving time
For those of us who were excited to see Riley this season, the worry is that he can’t even crack the rotation at a time when the face of the franchise, who plays the same position, is out. Number one overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered in the team’s final preseason game.
Head coach Brian Keefe, after Friday’s loss, in response to why Riley hasn’t seen the floor yet, said this:
"We got a deep team; we really value Will. He’ll obviously get his chance at some point. We’re confident in him that when he gets his opportunity, he’ll be successful. Our depth is our strength, and different people are going to have to step up at different times.”
So while that can seemingly put to bed these concerns, the roster will only get deeper with Dybantsa returning, so if not now, when?
The Washington Wizards need to remember that the development of their young guys should still be the most essential piece, while winning. Both could be accomplished by prioritizing Will Riley more going forward.
Add us as a preferred source on Google