In Washington, the idea of a rebuild was always on the horizon, but the early optimism seemed real. After the Wizards pulled off back-to-back wins against Atlanta, and started the season 2-2, there was a brief moment where the thought was, “Maybe this team could surprise some people.”
That optimism quickly dissipated, however, as the Wizards have now dropped 12 straight games, with 11 of those losses coming by double digits.
It’s been a tough stretch for head coach Brian Keefe and his young squad, but the truth is, the losses were expected. Washington’s roster, in its current form, simply isn’t built to compete night in and night out against top-tier teams.
The rebuild is very much a work in progress, and it’s clear the team is leaning on its younger assets to develop and grow.
That said, there’s still some hope to cling to. Bilal Coulibaly, the 6-foot-8 rookie from France, has shown flashes of his potential. His defensive intensity and versatility are promising signs, as is his ability to impact the game beyond just scoring.
Coulibaly has the tools to become a real two-way threat for the Wizards moving forward.
Similarly, Alex Sarr, the 7-foot center, is another young player showing positive signs. His shot-blocking ability and mobility on defense give Washington something to build around in the future.
The losses may pile up this season, but the Wizards are making sure their young players get the minutes and experience they need.
It’s a long road ahead, but the hope is that these early struggles will lead to future success. Fans just have to be patient while the rebuild unfolds.
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