It was another disappointing season last year for the Washington Wizards as they finished with the second-worst record in the NBA behind the Utah Jazz.
Of course, the Wizards have been stuck in a rebuild over the last handful of seasons as they have made the playoffs just once over the last seven seasons.
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Due to their rebuild, Washington has been able to create a solid young core led by Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and veteran Khris Middleton.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) and Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20)Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Washington also made some key additions to their roster this offseason as they selected Tre Johnson and Will Riley in the 2025 draft, acquired C.J. McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans for Jordan Poole and landed Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets.
By making these moves, the Wizards are looking to turn things around this season, though they may have to do so without two of their key players to begin the season.
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Ahead of the beginning of the preseason for the Wizards, general manager Will Dawkins provided injury updates for both Coulibaly and Sarr.
Wizards Provide Injury Update for Bilal Coulibaly
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dawkins revealed that Coulibaly with miss training cap and could potentially be out through the second week of the regular season, though he could only miss the first week due to a thumb injury he suffered during EuroBasket.
Of course, Coulibaly has been a key player for the Wizards since they selected him seventh overall in the 2023 draft.
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Last season, the 21-year-old forward averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 42.1% from the field and 28.1% from three.
With him potentially missing the first two weeks of the season, the Wizards will need others to step up in his place, especially on the defensive end as Coulibaly is one of Washington’s best defenders.
Alex Sarr Gets Injury Update
Washington Wizards rookie forward Alex Sarr.© Peter Creveling-Imagn Images
For Sarr, Dawkins said that he will miss the beginning of training camp due to a calf injury but they are hopeful that he will be able to return by the end of training camp.
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Of course, Sarr shined in his rookie season last year for the Wizards as he made an immediate impact for them on both ends of the court after being selected second overall in the 2024 draft.
Last season, the 20-year-old center averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 39.4% from the field and 30.8% from three.
The good news for the Wizards is that both players will not miss a ton of time to being the season as they try to turn things around as they continue their rebuild.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.