Apr 3, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) shoots the ball as Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Why Wizards' Scouting Department Deserves Credit

Originally posted on Washington Wizards on SI
By Tyrone Montgomery | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 7:00 AM ET

There are always things happening behind the scenes that people never realize as to why something may or may not have happened. When that happens, it’s good to keep in mind all factors that are involved. It is good that we remember the scouting teams in the NBA.

In the league, every team’s General Manager tends to get a lot of credit when it comes to discovering talent. Will Dawkins have been actively rebuilding the Wizards in their efforts to become a better team for the next seasons to come. The Wizards have already gathered a ton of rookies that appear to have promising futures.

Alex Sarr may be on his way to winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Bub Carrington hit a game-winning shot to finish the season for the Wizards. Also, AJ Johnson looks like a promising piece to the future of the Wizards as well. The scouting department of the Wizards certainly deserve a lot of credit in discovering these talented players.

Will Dawkins says Wizards scouts kept telling him about Kyshawn George last year. "You've gotta see this guy." They'd see games where Kyshawn didn't play well, but the scouts kept following up to point out his defense and on-ball playmaking.
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) April 17, 2025

One player in particular the scouting teams deserves credit for in discovering is Kyshawn George. George had a smooth arrival to the NBA as he grew throughout the season. Will Dawkins provided a lot of support in discovering George.

When asked about George, Dawkins said the Wizards scouts told him "You've got to see this guy." This was a long process by the Wizards General Manager and scouting department as George wasn’t considered a no-brainer when it came to his draft status in the draft.

They'd see games where Kyshawn didn't play well, but the scouts kept following up to point out his defense and on-ball playmaking. Indeed, George has proven to be one of the better defenders on the team. The Wizards scouting department deserves a lot of credit for the success of the team.

This article first appeared on Washington Wizards on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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