Wizards’ Struggles and Potential
The Washington Wizards sit at the bottom of the NBA standings with a disappointing record of 1-7. However, a closer look at their gameplay reveals a remarkable potential within the team, particularly through the performance of their young star, Kyshawn George.
Kyshawn George’s Rise
At just 21 years old, the 2024 NBA Draft’s 24th overall pick has become a significant force early in the season and a contender for the Most Improved Player award. Last year, George averaged only 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game with a shooting percentage of 37.2% across 26.5 minutes. This season has seen him elevate his game to new heights, with averages of 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks over 31.1 minutes, all while improving his shooting accuracy to 53.2%.
Offensive Evolution
George’s increased involvement in the offense is clear, with a usage rate of 21.3%—the third-highest among Wizards starters—aligning him with noted players such as Amen Thompson, Ryan Rollins, and Aaron Gordon. This season, George has taken on a prominent role as a perimeter playmaker, a shift from last season where he seldom appeared as a pick-and-roll ballhandler. Currently, he ranks fifth in the NBA in pick-and-roll frequency, utilized in that role 41% of the time, compared to under 17% last year.
“Growing up, I’ve always been a point guard,” George mentioned, acknowledging a recent transition to a wing role while retaining his foundational skills.
His ability to excel in the pick-and-roll is evident as the Wizards average 1.06 points per possession with him in that position, which is respectable despite ranking 22nd among all NBA players in that role. Coach Brian Keefe highlighted George’s improvement in attacking the rim, attributing this to his dedicated offseason training.
Driving and Decision-Making
George’s off-court efforts have resulted in a more aggressive approach on the court, recording an average of nearly 10 drives per game this season—up from just over four last year—with a shooting percentage of 59.3% on those drives. He understands the connection between confidence and performance, voicing,
“It’s definitely a confidence thing,”
and emphasizing the importance of being decisive in the lane, where he struggled previously.
In addition to improving his offensive game, George’s development as a facilitator is notable. He has reduced his turnover rate in pick-and-roll situations from nearly 20% to 16%, and on drives, he has improved from 7% to just 5.3%. His assist percentage has also seen a significant jump to 20.4% this season compared to 13.3% last year. He recognizes that working on decision-making in the offseason has been key to his overall playmaking ability.
Shooting Improvements
Three-point shooting is another area where George has made strides. Last year, he struggled with a conversion rate of 32.2% on five attempts per game. In contrast, he has redefined his shooting accuracy this season, hitting 53.8% of his three-point attempts while increasing his volume to 5.6 shots per game. He attributes this improvement to practicing with intention, refining his shooting mechanics, and maintaining discipline during drills.
Defensive Growth and Future Outlook
On defense, George has a defensive rating of 117.7, compared to last year’s 115.5, which ranks him among the league’s starters. His improvement is attributed to gaining experience and learning more about his opponents’ tendencies. As a young team, the Wizards emphasize aggressive defense and pushing the pace on offense, currently ranking third in the league in pace. Coach Keefe believes their depth will be crucial for sustained success as they continue to develop.
Looking ahead, the Wizards boast a young and promising group, including George, Bilal Coulibaly, former No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, and this year’s sixth overall pick Tre Johnson. With players under 21 excelling, the Wizards have the potential to become a competitive team as the season progresses. Despite the current challenges, George remains focused on daily improvements, asserting,
“You just stay focused on the day-to-day… with the work you’re putting in, the intentionality you have every day, the results are gonna come.”
As Kyshawn George finds his stride, both he and the Wizards are poised for brighter days ahead. The sky may be the limit for George, and with continued effort and development, he could contribute immensely to turning the Wizards’ season around.
