Kendrick Perkins believes the Washington Wizards are capable of making a major leap in the 2026-27 NBA season, predicting that they will make the playoffs and finish among the Eastern Conference’s top six teams.
“The Wizards are making the playoffs…they’re going to be a top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference,” Perkins said. “They’re going to be one of the best offensive teams in the entire league. [Trae Young and Anthony Davis] bringing chocolate back to Chocolate City. This team is for real.”
Perkins’ bold forecast reflects the transformation of Washington’s roster following a series of major moves, including the additions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis. The Wizards have shifted from a rebuilding team toward a more ambitious project built around established stars and a collection of young prospects.
Young is now a central part of the franchise’s long-term future after signing a four-year, $212.8 million contract on July 6. Washington initially acquired the point guard in January, sending CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta.
The Wizards also retained Davis, who arrived before the February trade deadline and gives the team an experienced interior presence and a proven two-way star. Pairing Young’s playmaking with Davis’ finishing ability and defensive impact could give Washington a foundation that differs significantly from its recent rebuilding teams.
Young appeared in only five games for Washington during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 assists in 20.8 minutes per game. That limited sample makes his role over a full season one of the major variables in assessing the Wizards’ potential.
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Washington has also added Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton. Ayton arrived from the Los Angeles Lakers in a July trade, while Middleton joined through a sign-and-trade involving Dallas.
The Wizards are not relying exclusively on their veteran acquisitions. Alex Sarr averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 48 games last season, establishing himself as an important part of the team’s young core.
Kyshawn George contributed 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, while Bilal Coulibaly averaged 11.7 points and 1.3 steals across 56 appearances. Rookie Tre Johnson also averaged 12.2 points in 60 games.
Washington added another potential cornerstone by selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His development, alongside Sarr and the team’s other young players, will be important as the franchise attempts to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term growth.
