There’s one image which has been a constant throughout the Wizards’ tumultuous ‘25-26 season: coach Brian Keefe, with his arms folded in disappointment, a look of disgust on his face.
Part of the reasoning for this look is the Wizards’ losing ways of late: the team has lost 9 of their last 10, likely weighing on the coach. But the other piece of it is the team’s constant mistake-prone play, due to their heavy reliance on youth.
The Wizards’ average player age is 24.6 years old, the youngest in the NBA. But with Anthony Davis and Trae Young out of late, Washington’s rotation has included just 2 players over the age of 25: Anthony Gill (33) and Leaky Black( 26).
The Wizards have looked to develop these young players, hoping they can become pieces of their future. But the sheer number of talented youth creates questions for next season. With dreams of the playoffs in 2026, it’s fair to ask whether many of these players will receive minutes in the future.
As the Wizards look to contend for a playoff spot, which players fit their vision? Who will fall to the wayside as the team looks to be more competitive? Washington will have some difficult decisions to make this offseason, as they attempt to return to relevancy.
Will Riley and Justin Champagnie are indispensable
Riley and Champagnie are two players who came to the Wizards this season unlikely to be huge factors. Both have developed into versatile young players, though, making them locks to be a part of Washington’s future.
Riley came into the season as a back-of-the-rotation player, viewed as a bit of a project. However, he has given us glimpses of a true three-level scorer, with an ability to shoot over defenders, and a variety of dribble moves around the basket.
The former first-round-pick will be a curious fit with the healthy Wizards, given that he functions best as an off-ball scorer. His talent demands Washington find a role for him, however, even if it comes at the expense of a veteran like Young.
Champagnie, on the other hand, should be an easy fit alongside the 2026 Wizards. His 3-point shooting and solid on-ball defense fill a role that the team’s roster lacks. Expect him to play often alongside the Wizards’ stars, providing spacing and defensive physicality for the team.
A role could emerge for Jamir Watkins and Jaden Hardy
Watkins and Hardy are far from guaranteed to be real contributors for the Wizards in 2026. Both have skill sets that the Wizards are in need of, however, making them more likely to play a role.
Hardy has slowed from his initial red-hot 3-point shooting start as a Wizard. But the guard has still shown glimpses as a catch-and-shoot player, especially from the corner.
It would not be a surprise to see Hardy earn himself some minutes next season as a 3-point specialist, giving Washington much-needed spacing around their rotation of young guards.
Similar to Hardy, Watkins is a somewhat flawed player. The 24-year-old has struggled on offense, due to his shooting deficiencies and lack of playmaking ability.
On the other side of the floor, however, Watkins has been one of Washington’s only highlights in recent months. He’s incredibly skilled at forcing turnovers, and has the ability to provide physical on-ball defense.
According to stat tracking website Databallr, the Wizards allow 6.6 more points per 100 possessions without Watkins on the floor, showcasing the impact he provides on defense.
Washington has been one of the worst defenses in the league of late, something unlikely to change when Trae Young reenters the fold. The team could use the contributions of Watkins, if he can become less of a detriment on the other end of the floor.
Sharife Cooper and Tristan Vukcevic could become expendable
With Davis and Young coming back into the fold, and likely some moves to be made this offseason, some players will likely find themselves on the outside looking in next season.
Sharife Cooper and Tristan Vukcevic are two examples, young players who have received lots of minutes of late, but are unlikely to be big factors next year.
Cooper has given the Wizards flashes on offense, especially as a driver. He has a unique ability to beat defenders off the dribble, exploding towards the rim. With the amount of guards potentially in the mix for Washington, however, Cooper looks like the odd man out.
Whereas Hardy, Watkins, and Riley provide in much-needed spots, Cooper’s skillset overlaps with that of Trae Young, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington. He will be much less needed once the others are healthy and available, making him a potential cut candidate/trade piece.
Vukcevic has stepped up in the absence of Alex Sarr, taking on the Wizards cornerstone’s heavy minutes load. However, he’s had his ups and downs in the process, delivering an inefficient season on offense, and showing a lack of awareness on defense.
With Davis stepping back into the fold, and Sarr returning to health, it’s unlikely we see Vukcevic in 2026, despite his age and room to grow.