It’s safe to say that the NBA lottery didn’t go the way that the Wizards had wanted. Falling from the top three was bad enough, but dropping to sixth was not on anyone’s bingo card in Washington’s front office. With the draft approaching quickly, the Wizards need to figure out what the plan will be with the pick. General manager Will Dawkins’ statement after the lottery provided insight into what they are planning moving forward.
Wizards GM Will Dawkins Gives Statement About Lottery
“We’re going to continue to build through the draft and be strategic… This is just a different player that we’ll have an opportunity to land… We’ll find a player that fits for us and melts with our other pieces pretty well,” was the statement Dawkins had posted to the Wizards’ Instagram and Twitter Tuesday afternoon.
Continuing to build the foundation #ForTheDistrict. pic.twitter.com/FHblq0jdcx
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) May 13, 2025
This statement provides a little insight into the worst-case scenario that is unfolding in Washington. This paints a better picture of what fans can expect the front office to do headed into draft night. There are two possible situations fans should be watching for as we await Cooper Flagg‘s name to be called. Either way, don’t expect the Wizards to completely drop out of the lottery or be surprised if they try to move up.
The Wizards have assets to move up in the draft if they choose to do so. However, they could also settle with the sixth pick. It would be a considerable downgrade, but still solidifies a decent prospect. NBA.com’s latest mock draft projects Texas freshman Tre Johnson to Washington with that sixth pick. Compared to Flagg and Dylan Harper, it’s a downgrade in talent. However, Johnson would shore up the backcourt scoring, which, outside of Jordan Poole, was very much lacking throughout the season.
Problems are a Plethora
There are so many problems with the Wizards falling to sixth. The rebuild will certainly be extended, but Dawkins will stay true to the slow building through the draft. This season went to waste, no doubt, with the tank not providing the same results as last season when the Wizards landed the number two pick. If the front office decides to stick at sixth, they may not be drafting their future franchise featured star, but they will be drafting a piece with a high ceiling, and become the present pairing with Alex Sarr.
The front office could decide to try and move up the board, but that could cost them more than just their lottery pick. It would almost have to include the 18th pick, along with players, and not just bench rotational pieces. The Spurs seem to be the most likely candidate to move from second, but with the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes on, the Wizards may not have the package they are looking for.
The Last Word
The best move for the Wizards is not selling the pick for anything less than its worth. Will Dawkins seems to be on the right path. He wants to continue pushing forward, even if it means the rebuild may take a little longer than both the front office would like. Either way, the Wizards need to be ready to take Johnson or a surrounding player if no deal shows up.
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