The Washington Wizards are confronting serious floor spacing issues as they prepare to integrate Anthony Davis into their lineup. After being traded from Dallas before the February 2026 deadline, Davis missed the remainder of the season due to a hand injury.
Why it matters: The Wizards' ability to effectively utilize Davis hinges on their floor spacing, which has already raised concerns among fans and analysts. Davis, a 10-time All-Star, may not fit seamlessly into a roster that struggles with shooting.
Davis is a career 29.5 percent 3-point shooter and has made more than one 3-pointer per game only once in his 14-year NBA career.
Washington ranked 19th in the league for both 3-pointers made and attempted last season, highlighting their shooting struggles.
With Deandre Ayton and Alex Sarr likely taking up frontcourt minutes alongside Davis, the Wizards will field two non-shooters on the floor frequently.
Six of the Wizards' top 12 players are below-average shooters, including rookie AJ Dybantsa, who shot just 33.1 percent from 3-point range at BYU.
Driving the news: The Wizards traded for both Trae Young and Anthony Davis in consecutive months as part of a strategy to revitalize their roster. Young's commitment to a massive contract extension reflects the team's ambition to transition from perennial cellar dwellers to playoff contenders.
Young expressed confidence in Davis's decision to remain with the Wizards, saying, "I think he knows where he wants to be right now." This statement hints at a potential long-term partnership.
The Wizards also secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, selecting Dybantsa, who has shown promise as a franchise player.
Davis is set to make $58.5 million next season and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following year, raising questions about his future contract demands.
State of play: The Wizards' frontcourt composition raises red flags about their offensive efficiency. With Davis preferring to play the power forward position, the Wizards face a dilemma in balancing his health with the team's spacing needs.
Playing Davis at the four could help manage his lengthy injury history but compromises the team's floor spacing.
Ayton, who did not attempt a 3-pointer last season, has a career shooting percentage of just 23.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Sarr is a more willing shooter but has only hit 31.6 percent of his long-range attempts over his first two NBA seasons.
The big picture: The Wizards' recent moves signal a shift in their competitive strategy, aiming to build a young core capable of contending in the Eastern Conference.
With Davis and Young leading the charge, the Wizards hope to create a formidable duo that can attract more talent.
Young's presence as a consistent scorer could alleviate some pressure on Davis, allowing him to focus on his strengths without bearing the entire offensive burden.
Washington's success hinges on their ability to surround Davis and Young with complementary shooters, which remains a work in progress.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are skeptical about the Wizards' ability to create a competitive roster around Davis and Young.
Many experts believe that the Wizards' lack of shooting could hinder their chances of success, especially in a league that increasingly values perimeter scoring.
Some fans are optimistic about Dybantsa's potential, viewing him as a key piece of the franchise's future.
Critics argue that the Wizards must address their shooting woes to avoid stagnation and disappointment in the upcoming season.
By the numbers: The statistics paint a concerning picture for the Wizards as they prepare for the new season.
Washington was 19th in 3-pointers made last season, indicating a need for improvement in their shooting efficiency.
Davis's career 3-point shooting percentage of 29.5 percent raises doubts about his ability to stretch the floor.
With six of their top 12 players being below-average shooters, the Wizards face a challenge in creating effective lineups.
What's next: As the season approaches, the Wizards will need to find solutions to their spacing issues to maximize their roster's potential.
Integrating Davis into the lineup effectively will require careful planning and adjustments from the coaching staff.
Fans will follow closely closely to see how the team balances Davis's health with the need for floor spacing.
The Wizards' performance in early games will provide insights into whether their new strategy can lead to success.