It’s Time to EVALUATE: Which Washington Wizards Have the Most to PROVE in 2026?

In this episode of Locked On Wizards, Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down why the upcoming season marks a pivotal evaluation year for the Washington Wizards. The hosts discuss the impact of potential roster changes, including the anticipated arrivals of Anthony Davis and Trae Young, and debate which Wizards players have the most to prove as the team shifts from development to competing for wins. They analyze the coaching future of Brian Keefe, offer insight on defensive improvements, and explain how the NBA play-in results and upcoming draft lottery odds can benefit the franchise. The episode wraps with a lively conversation about who should represent the Wizards at the lottery and why John Wall would be the perfect choice.

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22 comments

  1. This Deni thing is killing me. I think respectfully we should have kept him and on top of that build around him and sarr. He’s still young . Kinda defeats the purpose when trading for older players

  2. The Wizards never should've traded Rui or Deni , Kuzma is the one they needed to trade he took minutes away from Deni, Rui and Bilal. Why hold on to Kuzma?

  6. Deni Avdija improved once he left the Wizards organization. Trae Young is going to help make this a top defensive team 😂

  8. Ya'll really sold on "March Madness" Bilal and "Apirl Fools" Bub? Their combined production is not sustainable over 82 games.

    Their ceiling = bench players

    Their floor = gogo all stars

    fwiw Bub & Bilal are better than Trey Johnson. Trey is the Temu version Kon Knuppel…..in the 50% marked down basket.

  9. For people commenting about Deni's success. I'm not saying he is now, but do you think Will Riley will be similar to Deni in the long run?

  10. Hello eWizbody
    2024 Nba draft lottery winner ?
    N.10 Atlanta
    2025 Nba draft lottery winner?
    N.11 Dallas
    2026 Nba draft lottery winner?
    Who bet on n.12 ?😅
    Clippers, but go tò Okc 😱

  17. Deni shouldn’t upset anyone. The Trailblazers will be mid tier forever and never win it all. At least we have a chance because of the tank and top picks. Also, KEEFE HAS TO GO. Lol

  20. Hey Ben and Abdullah,

    Time after time, you’ve discredited Deni. At this point, it feels like you’re either biased against him or just echoing the Wizards’ front office narrative.
    What the Wizards did with Deni Avdija was short-sighted and poorly handled.
    That management group should have been replaced a long time ago. The direction of the team has been frustrating to watch.
    Seriously—who puts their chips on Bilal Coulibaly over Deni Avdija?
    Own the decisions your organization made, but don’t twist the narrative. And Abdullah—your take especially comes across as personal.
    Go Blazers. Good riddance, Wizards.

  22. They lost the Deni trade, it happens. It's not a reason to hate on Bub. No one's going to be worried about Deni next year when they're up 2-1 in the second round after beating the Knicks in the garden by twenty

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