The Washington Wizards have invested heavily in the wing positions, utilizing the NBA Draft to build one of the most intriguing young groups in the Association. The fight for minutes is headlined by 2026 No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, do-it-all wing Kyshawn George, and sharpshooting 2-guard Tre Johnson.
For as dynamic and promising as that trio may be, it's imperative that Will Riley remains in the conversation and continues to be featured in a meaningful role.
Riley, 20, was selected at No. 21 in the 2025 NBA Draft and became something of a silver lining on an otherwise tough 17-win season for the Wizards. Even as a rookie, he displayed advanced scoring instincts and a general feel for the game that appeared far more pro-ready than anticipated.
Riley ultimately produced averages of 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made in 22.1 minutes per game.
Riley struggled with inefficiency overall, but he took his game to a compelling level during the second half of the season. He posted 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists on Feb. 1, the Wizards' 40th game of the 2025-26 campaign, and he never looked back.
After Feb. 1, Riley averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in 30.4 minutes per game. Washington can't pretend it didn't happen.
Will Riley is too talented to be brushed aside for other Wizards wings
The Wizards have a long list of shot creators on the roster, including Anthony Davis, Dybantsa, George, Johnson, and Trae Young. That admittedly doesn't leave much space for Riley to thrive in that same capacity and calls on him to improve his outside shot.
He deserves the opportunity to do so, however, as his inefficiency was at least partially influenced by the fact that he ranked in the 30th percentile in three-point shot quality in 2025-26, per Basketball Index.
With Davis drawing double teams down low and Young ranking among the best passers in the NBA, Riley's shot quality should improve dramatically. Furthermore, Dybantsa should command attention, and his fellow up-and-comers should be another year better and more refined.
If Riley joins them and knocks down open jumpers with more consistency, then there should be no excuse for keeping him off the court—even if he still has defensive hurdles to clear.
Riley is already a solid off-ball defender who can chase opponents around screens and even be a defensive playmaker. He has flaws, like any other young player, but his scoring potential at 6'9" makes him a matchup nightmare and a player the Wizards must commit to developing with intent.
Perhaps the other players on the roster will prove better in the end, but Riley is far too talented and intriguing as a 6'9" shot creator to simply cast aside.
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