The Washington Wizards had a very specific decision to make on draft night when they were sitting at pick number 21. And with the Miami Heat selecting Kasparas Jakucionis one spot ahead of them, it looked like the board might not fall in Washington’s favor. But the Wizards stuck to their plan, made the pick they needed to make, and now sit in a position where it looks like they just avoided a potentially messy situation.
Will Riley still has a ways to go, but the early returns are promising. The 19-year-old wing has the tools, size, and mental approach to be the type of player who grows into a cornerstone piece over the next few years.