WASHINGTON — Ownership is pouring money into infrastructure and support staff as the Washington Wizards lean fully into a rebuild, yet the on-court results remain grim. The club opened 1-12 and ranks last in net rating at minus-16.1.
Despite the record, recent top draft prospects such as Alex Sarr and Ace Bailey have expressed genuine interest in landing in the nation’s capital, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
The franchise’s immediate challenge is balancing development with mounting defeats. “They can come in and they can play and they can try things and they grow on the floor,” 26-year-old swingman Corey Kispert said of Washington’s first- and second-year players. “But winning is a skill and learning how to win is a skill.” Kispert cited the Nov. 10 loss to Detroit — a close game that slipped away late — as a lesson the young roster must absorb. He added that veteran leadership must reinforce winning habits “in practices and within our games.”
Magic: Black’s energy delivers back-to-back scoring bursts
ORLANDO — Rookie guard Anthony Black followed an 18-point outing in Sunday’s loss to Houston with a season-high 21 points in Tuesday’s victory over Golden State, reminding Orlando why it selected him sixth overall in June.
The 19-year-old had posted single-digit scoring efforts in five of his previous seven appearances. “I think A.B. is someone who can impact the game on both sides,” forward Franz Wagner said. “When someone like that has the right energy, it’s contagious — he’s a super-important player for our team.” Injuries have forced Black into heavier minutes, and the Magic hope his recent spark endures.
Heat: Jakucionis heads to Sioux Falls for extended run
MIAMI — With no immediate rotation spot available, the Heat assigned 19-year-old first-round pick Kasparas Jakucionis to the G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Lithuanian guard has already logged two games and views the stint as an opportunity rather than a demotion.
“I just need live basketball,” Jakucionis said. “I think it’s good to come here, play, and the development part is very good.” Miami values his long-term potential, but roster depth and playoff goals make consistent G League minutes the priority for now.
Source: Hoops Wire
