Nearly two months into the NBA season, the Washington Wizards have undoubtedly established themselves as one of the worst teams in the NBA.
It was widely expected that some upsets would arise as the team would enter the season with one of the league’s younger rosters, and that has undoubtedly been the case. The team has struggled with a number of on-court issues this season, and overall, an early season skid has dropped their record to 1-13, highlighting some shortcomings.
Although the team is fully committed to the rebuild, there are still some questions lingering, many of which relate to Corey Kispert’s tenure.
Can the Wizards move on from Corey Kispert?
According to Bleacher Report’s NBA writer Andy Bailey, the Wizards’ inability to find a suitable trade suitor for Kispert was listed as one of the month-long regrets of the regular season.
“The Wizards are running one of the league’s most extreme youth movements. So, why is Kispert still a part of it?”. Bailey wrote.
“Sure, having three of his balls is helpful, but it would be more beneficial to a team intent on winning by any means. And Washington isn’t exactly reminding potential suitors of that either, as its developmental wing is cutting into his minutes, reducing his numbers and potentially even his trade value. His off-ball activity can still shine with the right supporting cast, but not all these growing-pain prospects around him, ” he continued.
The 26-year-old Kispet is the longest-tenured player on the roster, having been drafted 15th overall by the Wizards in 2021 out of Gonzaga. Despite being the Wizards’ longest-tenured rookie, the former Bulldog hasn’t seen much action this season. He averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19 minutes per game – the lowest averages of his five-year career.
There is value in retaining a talented sharpshooter like Kispert; His spacing movement can help stabilize the lineup. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe has praised his intangible qualities and leadership some time ago.
“The stuff he brings, the intangibles, but also his leadership. Another guy who leads by example, how he plays, how he communicates, and he hit a big shot late.”
If the team decides to trade their long-tenured sharpshooter, the Wizards could get some meaningful value back from Kispert if he is traded. He has shown himself to be a quality rotational player who can impact wins in the right situations. His departure could open up more playing time for young Wizards who may not be seeing a floor.
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