To the Washington Wizards, the 2025 NBA Draft presents more than just talent — it brings clarity. The franchise is in the midst of a full-blown rebuild after another difficult season, ending the year 18–64. By virtue of their three picks in this year's draft (Nos. 6, 18, and 40), the former champions can not only look in the mirror but also do something about what they see reflected. Washington's approach to the 2025 NBA Draft will be essential, particularly given the strong foundation of a potential young core and a front office that's looking for a long-term build. This is more than just selecting players, this is about establishing the groundwork moving forward for a new era of Wizards basketball.
Building Around a Young Core
As an organization, the Wizards are focused on building their young core, which includes the No. 2 overall pick in 2024, Alex Sarr, who made the All-Rookie First Team. His 34-point outburst is signaling that he might very well become a franchise foundation player. Sarr is joined by Kyshawn George, who established a franchise mark for the quickest rookie to reach 100 three-pointers, and Bilal Coulibaly, who put up averages of 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists prior to a season-ending injury.
NBA betting fans should keep a close eye on both Sarr and George because they could be significant talents in the future. Top basketball predictions sites like Wincomparator helps fans gain useful knowledge and pre-game betting tips ahead of games.
Draft Strategy and Possible Selections
The Wizards entered the lottery with the 4th-best odds, but ended with the 6th pick. Still, this is a position where you can get access to elite-level prospects. In its latest mock draft, ESPN has Washington taking Texas freshman shooting guard Tre Johnson at No. 6 overall. Johnson is punishing on the perimeter (33 percent on 6-three pointers per game) and aggressive inside (207 free of charge throws), filling an acute short- and long-term backcourt want.
The Wizards can get versatile at No. 18. They have taken interest in prospects like Egor Demin (6-foot-8 PG, BYU), with elite size and potential. Demin is known for his shot selection based on situational awareness and his confidence would fit in nicely into Washington's system.
Or another name as a target, maybe a first-round pick after a solid freshman year at UConn, forward Liam McNeeley. Averaging 2.6 goals and 4.4 points per game also makes him an enticing choice for the Wizards.
In Round 2, at pick No. 40, Wizards could also go for tried and tested big men such as Georgetown's Thomas Sorber who averages 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, and could provide Washington with size and rebounding support.
Trade Options
Further, the Wizards are navigating trade discussions in order to capitalize on the most draft picks possible. One of them is veteran guard Marcus Smart, who came over as part of a midseason trade and is regarded as a prime trade possibility. This would give teams who are looking to contend a potential option to add one of the game's best defenders and cash in on more draft capital or a younger player in return from Washington.
They've also taken steps to acquire long-term assets, moving center Jonas Valančiūnas to the Sacramento Kings for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks.
The Washington Wizards have a ton of draft picks plus they continue to develop youth, making their 2025 NBA Draft something of a crowning jewel in a long-term rebuild. The idea is to build a competitive roster around some high-ceiling talent. The Wizards certainly have the potential to continue building their foundation through the upcoming draft so as to become a more consistently successful side.
