The Washington Wizards opened the regular season against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Entering the matchup, nobody knew what to expect from Brian Keefe when the starting lineup would be announced. Of course, everyone had their own assumptions, with most believing free agent addition Jonas Valanciunas would get the nod in the lineup.
However, the first-year head coach made history with his decision to roll out a unique lineup on opening night.
Wizards open with the youngest starting lineup in the league
Minutes before the game on Thursday, it was announced that the Wizards' starting unit would consist of Jordan Poole, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Sarr. With two rookies in the lineup, not only are Washington’s starters young, but they’re fun to watch.
Washington's starting lineup has an average age of 22.72 years old
— Wizards PR (@WizPRStats) October 24, 2024
Entering tonight, it is the youngest starting lineup in the league this season and ranks as the franchise's youngest starting lineup on opening night since the league began tracking starters (1970)@EliasSports https://t.co/6OhO1j4lVa
Aside from the inexperience, the youth movement in D.C. seems to be in full swing with Kuzma as the oldest player in the starting lineup.
Coulibaly is in his sophomore season as an NBA player and his presence was expected in the starting lineup. As was the Wizards top draft pick in Alex Sarr.
The rookie has had a solid preseason showing flashes of his capability on both ends of the floor. Between his underrated shooting and ability to play with the ball in his hand as a 7-foot playmaker, his development will be essential to Washington’s future success.
Nonetheless, the main surprise in the lineup is the addition of rookie Bub Carrington who showed flashes in the preseason as well, but he was not as efficient or consistent as the team may have liked.
Averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists in college, the Pitt product has the talent to be an absolute game-changer in this league. The rookie averaged 7.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in five games over the preseason. In his limited minutes, it’s clear the 19-year-old did enough to impress Keefe.
They’ll have their hands full against a stacked Celtics team, but one thing about it is the Wizards should be able to match the speed and pace the C’s play with considering their youth in the lineup.
If the Wizards can find consistency with their opening night lineup and develop them along the way, not only will this boost their rebuild time, but it will give them a head start on their decision-making process as general manager Will Dawkins continues to evaluate the roster as the season continues.
Nevertheless, the Wizards set franchise history on Thursday before the team even completed the game.