Published for Wizards fans — October 2026
By Toxlay Sports Editorial Team · Last updated October 19, 2026
The Club
The Washington Wizards have been DC’s team since 1973 — and before that, since 1961. Founded in 1961 as the Chicago Packers, the franchise arrived in Washington and became the Bullets, winning the city’s only NBA championship: the 1978 title, when Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes beat the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games. They play at Capital One Arena in red, white and navy blue, and “DC Builds Basketball Together” is more than a slogan this season — after years at the bottom, the capital finally has something real to build around.
Last Season (2025-26): Rock Bottom, By Design
Let’s be honest: the 2025-26 season was ugly on purpose. The Wizards finished 17-65 — the worst record in the NBA — 15th in the East and fifth in the Southeast Division. They closed the year on a 10-game losing streak, their third double-digit slide of the season, and lost 26 of their final 27 games. It was the third straight season under 20 wins. But the plan worked: Washington won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery and selected AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall. Along the way, they swung two franchise-changing trades: acquiring Trae Young from Atlanta on January 9, and Anthony Davis from Dallas at the February deadline — though injuries kept both stars out of a Wizards uniform until this season. Bub Carrington later admitted it was “no secret” the team was tanking for Dybantsa. The reward? A generational prospect and a rebuilt roster.
Best Players Right Now (2026-27 Roster)
Trae Young, 28, Guard — The new franchise player. Acquired from Atlanta on January 9 for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, then signed a four-year, $212.7 million max extension in June. Played only 15 games last season because of a right MCL sprain — 2026-27 is his first full season in DC, and he says he’s never been this motivated.
Anthony Davis, 33, Forward/Center — The 10-time All-Star. Arrived from Dallas in an eight-player trade-deadline blockbuster. Sidelined since January 8 with hand and groin injuries, the Wizards shut him down to be fully healthy for 2026-27 — his debut is one of the season’s biggest events.
AJ Dybantsa, 19, Forward — The No. 1 overall pick. Averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists at BYU last season. Makes his pro debut on opening night, October 21, against Milwaukee.
Alex Sarr, 21, Center — The 2024 No. 2 pick keeps growing into one of the league’s most versatile young defenders. The Davis-Sarr frontcourt pairing could be a nightmare to score against.
Deandre Ayton, 28, Center — Acquired from the Lakers. The former No. 1 pick gives Washington size, rebounding and an efficient finisher next to the young core.
Khris Middleton, 35, Forward — The three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion with Milwaukee. He was dealt to Dallas at the deadline but returned to Washington in a summer sign-and-trade — a steady veteran hand on a young team.
Bilal Coulibaly, 22, Guard/Forward — The long, defensive-minded wing keeps developing on both ends; a key piece of the young core.
Kyshawn George, 22, Guard/Forward — A versatile 6’8″ wing entering his third season with real two-way upside.
Bub Carrington, 21, Guard — The second-year guard closed last season with a career-high 24 points in the finale and starts at point guard next to Trae Young.
Tre Johnson, 20, Guard — The 2025 No. 6 pick out of Texas averaged 12.2 points as a rookie; one of the purest shooters on the roster.
Tre Mann, 25, Guard — Arrived from Charlotte in the offseason; instant offense and energy off the bench.
Head coach: Brian Keefe — His third full season in charge. He weathered the tank, kept the locker room together, and now finally has the talent to coach for wins.
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Star Spotlight: Stories You Should Know
The Trae Young gamble. On January 9, 2026, the Wizards stunned the league by trading for Trae Young — a four-time All-Star who’d just become the Hawks’ all-time assists leader. Then, after he played only 15 games because of injuries, Washington committed $212.7 million over four years to a player who’d barely worn the jersey. Young answered the doubters this fall: “This is the most slept on I’ve been in my whole life.” His message to DC? “My 10 toes are here in DC.” When healthy, he’s the best pick-and-roll playmaker of his generation — and he’s about to run the show for the first time.
AJ Dybantsa is here. The Wizards endured a 17-win season for this moment. Dybantsa — a 6’9″ wing with ideal size and advanced skill — was the consensus No. 1 pick after dominating at BYU. His pro debut comes October 21 against Milwaukee, he’ll face No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson for the first time February 27 at Utah, and he’ll square off with Cooper Flagg on March 11 in Dallas. The tanking is over; the Dybantsa era begins.
The ghosts of glory. DC still celebrates 1978 — the Bullets beating Seattle in seven games for the franchise’s only championship, with Wes Unseld winning Finals MVP. The Verizon Center era brought Gilbert Arenas’ 60-point explosion against the Lakers in December 2006, and five-time All-Star John Wall — the No. 2 pick in 2010 — became the franchise’s all-time assists leader while carrying four playoff teams. Now it’s Trae, AD and Dybantsa’s turn to write the next chapter.
This Season (2026-27): From Tank to Play-In?
The talent jump is real: two All-Stars in Young and Davis, the No. 1 pick, a promising young core in Sarr, Coulibaly, George and Carrington, and veterans in Ayton and Middleton. Vegas agrees something changed — the win total sits around 35.5, up from last year’s line in the high teens. The question is health: Young played 15 games last year and Davis played 20, all for other teams. At full strength, this team should compete for a play-in spot in the East; if either star misses time, it’s another developmental year. Either way, the Wizards schedule finally has appointment television in DC again.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Games to Watch
Wondering when the Wizards play next? Here are the early-season dates to circle — grab your Wizards tickets early for these:
- October 21 — vs Milwaukee Bucks (opener, 7:00 PM, Capital One Arena): Opening night. Trae Young’s home debut, Anthony Davis’ long-awaited debut, and AJ Dybantsa’s first pro game. The most anticipated opener in years.
- October 23 — vs Toronto Raptors (home): Second home game of the season — the young core gets another test against a playoff team.
- October 28 — at Cleveland Cavaliers (away): First real road test, in Cleveland against an East powerhouse.
- November 4 — vs Atlanta Hawks (home): Trae Young faces his old team for the first time at Capital One Arena.
- November 6 — at Atlanta Hawks (away): THE reunion. Trae Young plays at State Farm Arena as a Wizard for the first time. Emotional doesn’t begin to cover it.
Biggest Rivalries — The Wars
1. Atlanta Hawks — THE reunion war. The team that traded Trae Young now has to play against him. Back-to-back matchups on November 4 (DC) and November 6 (Atlanta) — the most personal rivalry on the schedule.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers — The East’s new power. The Wizards’ October 28 visit to Cleveland is an early measuring stick for how far the rebuild has come.
3. Philadelphia 76ers — The LeBron superteam is the talk of the East, and DC wants to be the next team up. These matchups matter for the standings race.
4. New York Knicks — The defending champions come to Capital One Arena on December 19 — the ultimate test for the new-look Wizards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trae Young on the Wizards?
Yes. Washington acquired Trae Young from Atlanta on January 9, and he signed a four-year, $212.7 million max extension in June; 2026-27 is his first full season in DC.
When the Wizards play the Hawks in 2026-27?
The Wizards host Atlanta on November 4, then visit State Farm Arena on November 6 for Trae Young's reunion game.
Who are the best Wizards players right now?
Trae Young, Anthony Davis, No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr.
Who is AJ Dybantsa?
The consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft from BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists; he makes his pro debut October 21 against Milwaukee.
Show Your Colors
DC Builds Basketball Together — at Capital One Arena or watching from home, true fans wear it. Gear up with quality fan sportswear — jerseys, tees and athletic wear built for real supporters:
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Sources & official links: Washington Wizards official site · Washington Wizards tickets
DC Builds Basketball Together — the Trae Young era starts now.
