Wizards unexpectedly find themselves with a rookie climbing Shaq’s pedestal

The Washington Wizards haven't been shy to make moves throughout the course of the season, with their biggest additions coming by way of their blockbuster trades to acquire Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

Along the way of their bold swings, several roster spots opened up with the team's flurry of moves freeing up space for the team to add talent in between the margins.

Following the elevation of two-way prospects Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins, who earned a standard contract, Washington took no time to fill their available two-way spots with a Maryland native in Julian Reese, who found himself as a free agent after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Since the addition of Reese, not only has the former Terrapin emerged as one of the most intriguing stories for the team down the stretch, but he's etched himself in the history books on numerous occasions, with his latest performance putting himself alongside NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

Julian Reese joins the company of Shaq with latest accomplishment

In 9 games with the Wizards down the stretch, Reese has emerged as an immediate impact player for the Wizards, averaging 10,8 points and 11.3 rebounds on 54.8% shooting from field goal range.

The 22-year-old has consistently played with a chip on his shoulder, and his grit and physciality has made his undersized frame at 6-foot-9 an overlooked issue.

Over the course of his nine-game stretch, Reese has posted several double-figured rebounding nights, with his latest 16-rebound performance tying a record that Shaq has held since 1992.

The rise of Reese has been one of the most exciting stories for the team, and it's not to say that nobody believed he could be a contributor at the next-level, but at the rate he's made an impact in his small sample size has been impressive to say the least.

Beyond that, Washington didn't expect to find themselves in a position to have a rookie making rebounding history, especially in terms of putting themselves along one of the best rebounders the game has ever seen in Shaq.

Julian Reese is a welcomed surprise for the Wizards

Finding an impact player in an undrafted player is a tough task in its own right, but finding one in a late-season signing in general is even more diffiicult.

For Washington, though, they'll definitely take a surprise emergence from yet another talented prospect on their young roster.

All that to say, the Wizards need to find a spot on the active roster ahead of next season, especially if they hope for Reese to be a long-term fit in the DMV.