Is Washington’s Former First Round Pick a Long-Term Piece or a Trade Asset?
Corey Kispert has been a solid role player for the Wizards, but questions remain about whether he truly fits into the team’s long-term vision. While his shooting is a clear asset, his limitations as a defender and playmaker have kept him from standing out as more than a specialist. On a young roster built around upside and versatility, Kispert’s ceiling may already be capped. That leaves Washington with a difficult question: Is Kispert a piece worth keeping, or simply a trade asset waiting to be moved?
After being drafted 15th overall out of Gonzaga, Kispert came off a stellar season where he was named to the consensus All-American First Team, earned the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward, and won WCC Player of the Year. However, there were plenty of questions about Corey Kispert’s NBA future. Was he talented enough to make a real impact on a contender? Four seasons later, that question still lingers. While he’s put up respectable numbers, averaging 11.6 points per game on 36% shooting from three, he has yet to truly find his stride. His shooting can be deadly when he’s locked in, but inconsistency remains the defining issue—and that’s a big “if.”
Another issue working against Kispert is the situation he was drafted into. Is Washington really the right fit for him? With several young players added over the last three years, it’s fair to question whether he still meshes with the direction of the team. While his shooting remains a valuable asset, he’s heavily dependent on others to create opportunities for him, thriving mostly on catch-and-shoot looks. The problem is that outside of Bub Carrington—who is still young and learning how to be a true floor general offense—Washington lacks a true floor general to consistently set him up. Add to that his incomplete offensive skill set, limited playmaking ability, struggles creating his own shot, and lack of defensive versatility, and it’s clear why his long-term fit with the Wizards is uncertain.
Overall, while Kispert’s skill set is valuable, every team in the NBA covets a reliable sharpshooter. His incomplete offensive game and Washington’s uncertain direction raise questions about his long-term fit in D.C., especially with so much young talent emerging around him. He has shown improvement and is far from a draft bust, but there’s still plenty of development needed. On the right roster, his shooting could make him a highly valuable piece, but Washington may not be that place. As the trade deadline approaches, the Wizards would be wise to explore finding him a better home where his strengths can truly shine.
