Trusting the Process in the NBA
The phrase “trust the process” has been a topic of debate in NBA circles for over ten years. This term gained traction through the Philadelphia 76ers’ strategy in the middle of the 2010s, which involved intentionally underperforming to secure high draft picks, prioritizing youth over the acquisition of veteran talent. The rationale is straightforward: assembling a squad filled with young, promising players increases the chances of discovering a true standout, unlike veteran teams that frequently find themselves stuck in early playoff exits without room for player development.
Once a star or multiple stars emerge, teams can pivot towards championship contention. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a prominent example of this strategy, successfully capturing the championship in 2025 after dedicating several years to building a youthful roster.
The 76ers and Their Challenges
While the 76ers managed to draft noteworthy players like Joel Embiid and several All-Stars, their quest for a title was hampered by external league interventions, highlighting the unpredictability of the process. Despite the league’s efforts to dissuade teams from similar rebuilding strategies, including longer odds for lottery picks, the appeal of this approach remains. For instance, the Utah Jazz have openly expressed their intention to endure a challenging season in hopes of securing a top draft pick next year.
The Washington Wizards’ Strategy
The Washington Wizards also aspire to position themselves favorably for next year’s draft, aware that they risk losing a valuable selection to the New York Knicks if it lands outside the top eight. However, their strategy appears to be more methodical, focusing on nurturing talent over merely stockpiling a surplus of inexperienced players.
Reflecting on their recent history, the Wizards recognized two years ago that their roster had become stagnant, posting nearly identical records of 35, 35, and 34 wins over three seasons with notable names like Russell Westbrook, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Bradley Beal but failing to progress. In a decisive move to change course, the team facilitated Beal’s departure to the Phoenix Suns, sent Porziņģis to Boston—where he subsequently secured a championship—and traded Westbrook.
Although these moves did not yield a bounty of draft picks, the Wizards decided to let go of struggling players to initiate a fresh start. Their draft strategy has been forward-looking, as evidenced by selecting Alexandre Sarr second overall last season and acquiring prospects like Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George in the first round. They also traded for the rights to Bilal Coulibaly the previous year, and recently added Tre Johnson and Will Riley to their roster.
Integrating Veterans for Development
In a slight deviation from the conventional youth-centric narrative, the Wizards have integrated veteran players like Khris Middleton and C.J. McCollum, who, despite their age and potential decline in performance, possess valuable leadership qualities. These seasoned players are expected to mentor younger talent rather than hinder their development. This strategy showcases the Wizards’ intention to cultivate a robust development culture within the team.
Uncertain Outcomes
Nonetheless, the success of this initiative is uncertain. Prospects like Sarr and Coulibaly carry risks, as injuries and underperformance can derail expectations. On the other hand, the emergence of a player like Tre Johnson, expected to be a major talent, could also see varying levels of success. The unpredictability of player development means that even the best-laid plans may not translate into sustainable success.
What remains clear, however, is the Wizards’ commitment to reshaping their narrative. They are opting for a proactive approach rather than resigning themselves to mediocrity and irrelevance, as seen with teams like the Chicago Bulls. Their efforts deserve attention, as they strive to build a hopeful future filled with possibility. The unfolding developments in the coming years will determine the effectiveness of this new direction for the Washington Wizards.
