Three Burning Questions for the Wizards in 2025-26
The Washington Wizards enter the 2025–26 season with more intrigue than they’ve had in years, fueled by a mix of youthful energy and steady veteran leadership. Bilal Coulibaly’s injury raises concerns about how much it could slow the rebuild, and while CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton bring invaluable stability for a young roster, are their futures in D.C. set up to be short-term? That makes this year especially important for Washington’s young core, as one breakout player could shift the direction of the franchise. With opportunity wide open, the stage is set for a rising star to step forward and prove that the Wizards’ rebuild is ready to accelerate.
The most pressing question for Washington this season is simple. Who will emerge as the breakout young star? Before his setback, many believed Bilal Coulibaly was primed to take that leap and become the next face of the franchise. Now, with his injury sidelining him for an undisclosed period, the door is open for someone else to step into that role. The leading candidate may be Tre Johnson, who turned heads in Summer League by averaging nearly 20 points per game while showing the ability to create for others as well. His scoring instincts and offensive versatility could be exactly what Washington needs, though Cam Whitmore, acquired in a trade with Houston, has the tools to make his own case. With the breakout spotlight shifting away from Coulibaly, his absence naturally raises the next big question. How much will the Wizards’ rebuild be slowed without Bilal Coulibaly?
After his EuroBasket run, Bilal Coulibaly proved he can be a valuable role player for the French national team. While his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive impact stood out, reinforcing why he’s still viewed as a frontrunner to become Washington’s next star. His recent hand injury and subsequent surgery have temporarily stalled his development and delayed his chance to fully take the reins. However, does that slow down the Wizards’ rebuild? Not necessarily. With the team still in the early stages of a draft-driven rebuild, Coulibaly’s absence simply opens the door for another young player to step up and find their rhythm, ensuring progress doesn’t come to a halt.
The final question is a pressing one. Are CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton long-term pieces or short-term investments? In reality, their value lies more in guiding player development than in serving as cornerstones of a rebuilding roster. They are far more likely to become trade assets than to lead Washington to a championship, a playoff berth, or even a winning season. The hope is that they can instill professionalism in the locker room and model what it takes to thrive as a true NBA veteran. Ultimately, the Wizards should view them as temporary mentors and focus on maximizing their trade value rather than holding onto them as foundational pieces.
No matter how the season unfolds, the 2025–26 campaign represents a pivotal chapter in Washington’s rebuild. With Coulibaly working his way back, McCollum and Middleton providing veteran guidance, and young talents like Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, and Alex Sarr eager to seize the spotlight, the Wizards have no shortage of possibilities. The key will be whether one of these rising players takes the leap from promising prospect to true franchise cornerstone. If that happens, Washington’s rebuild won’t just stay on track—it could accelerate faster than anyone expected.
