Inside The Wizards

Analyst Makes Bold Prediction About Wizards Surprising Rookie

The Washington Wizards could have an All-Rookie player this season, but it may not be who you think it is.

Jeremy Brener

Oct 14, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) looks to pass the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) looks to pass the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are coming into the season with three first-round picks making their debuts.

While there will be a lot of attention on No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, or high upside for No. 14 overall pick Bub Carrington, No. 24 overall pick Kyshawn George shouldn't be forgotten.

Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale predicts that George could make an All-Rookie team this season.

"George has some questions if you think he can turn into more of a featured scorer—mainly his capacity to generate consistent separation on the ball. The rest of his game looks ready. Or close to it," Favale writes. "While Washington's rookie doesn't forecast as a lockdown defender, he is using his size and length to successfully compete, and he's turned in more than his fair share of help plays away from the rock. The three-ball looks good, and he's made some sharp decisions inside the arc."

George, who doesn't turn 21 until December, is in a great position for him to start his career. Not only is George coming to a team that needs to shoot the ball better from beyond the 3-point line, but he comes to Washington where the team won't be very good. George will have plenty of opportunities to play, which wouldn't have been the same with other teams drafting around his pick range.

George will have to compete with some of Washington's other wings like the recently-extended Corey Kispert and former first-round pick Johnny Davis, but the Wizards will ultimately give him an opportunity.

If George can make the most of that opportunity, he may be able to prove Favale right and be one of the best 10 rookies this season.

George could make his NBA debut tomorrow against the defending champion Boston Celtics inside the Capital One Arena.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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