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WASHINGTON — Media days mark the unofficial start of the NBA season. For the Washington Wizards, the last three media days carried guarded optimism—excitement for the season ahead but pessimism entering another 60-plus-loss campaign.
The “guarded” label was lifted at Monday’s media day as the Wizards, brimming with young talent and experienced veterans, enter the season hopeful for more competitive basketball in The District.
Brian Keefe and 12 Wizards players
spoke with the media at CareFirst Arena. Here’s one interesting thing each person said.
Keefe talks starters, rotation
This is the deepest roster Keefe has coached. That depth, while appreciated, has created several difficult rotational decisions.
Atop those dilemmas is the starting five. Namely, who starts alongside Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr? Keefe explained his approach to naming that fifth starter and deciding who makes his opening-night rotation.
“In today’s NBA, depth wins. There’s going to be competition, and I think that’s really healthy. We’re going to evaluate those things over the preseason to see who fits best together.”
Trae Young:
Trae Young, who in June signed a four-year, $212 million extension, praised the Wizards’ depth and said he’s glad he doesn’t have to decide who plays.
He joked that making that decision is “BK’s job” but said Washington’s trio of bigs will provide ample opportunity for him to throw some big-time lobs.
“There’s a lot of different ways that we can play. I think that’s a good problem to have … Having those bigs, I know I’m throwing some lobs … If they set the screen right.”
Anthony Davis:
On August 6 — the same day Davis became eligible to sign a four-year, $285 million max extension with the Wizards — The Athletic’s Joshua Robbins reported the sides had agreed to wait until the season to have extension talks.
Davis, who holds a $62 million player option for the 2027-28 season, said he will decide on his at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
“[I’ll] go through the season and try to do what I do at a high level, and then when it’s over, sit down and have a conversation again with my office.”
AJ Dybantsa:
Lofty expectations surround incoming No. 1 picks, especially those who averaged 25 points per game as college freshmen.
But AJ Dybantsa said he doesn’t feel any pressure. His reasoning: He enters the league with All-Star teammates who will teach him how to be successful.
“I’m just super blessed to be in the situation. I’m going to have to play the right way right away. [It’s great] having these guys that have won championships, that made All-Star teams, that are first-value players.”
Deandre Ayton:
The Wizards sent Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Lakers in July for Deandre Ayton. The 7-footer will serve as Alex Sarr’s backup — a role he isn’t accustomed to.
Ayton last came off the bench during the Phoenix Suns’ magical run in the 2020 Orlando bubble. That’s 363 consecutive starts since he last entered as a reserve.
That will change on opening night. And the 28-year-old center is ready to embrace his new role.
“[I’ll play] wherever Coach BK wants me. The depth we have on this team is insane.”
