As the Washington Wizards continue navigating a rebuild, one of the NBA’s brightest stars sees something familiar in their process. After facing Washington, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who experienced a full rebuild with the Oklahoma City Thunder, offered a measured but telling assessment of where the Wizards stand in a conversation with Double Take Sports.
“I honestly think they’re on the right path,” he said. A sentiment that was also shared by Kevin Durant during his recent visit to Capital One Arena.
For a team still searching for consistency, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t point first to talent or results. Instead, he emphasized something less tangible, but critical.
“They have guys that just compete,” he said. “You want guys that play with edge, that aren’t scared… that just want to go out there and fight.”
That mindset, he explained, is foundational.
“That’s half the battle in the NBA, every night just suiting up and going to work.”
It’s a sentiment that aligns with what the Wizards have tried to establish throughout the season: effort, development, and identity before outcomes.
Gilgeous-Alexander also pointed to the team’s evolving roster, highlighting the presence of proven veterans such as Anthony Davis (AD) and Trae Young.
“They have some vets…AD and Trae, two very proven guys in the NBA,” he said. “They’ll help once they get on the floor.”
But his strongest endorsement came when he pointed to the people leading it the Wizards rebuild.
Gilgeous-Alexander has firsthand experience with both Wizards head coach Brian Keefe (BK) and general manager Will Dawkins from his time in Oklahoma City, a foundation that shaped his development.
So when he speaks on Washington’s leadership, it comes from familiarity.
“They are well coached. I know BK very well. He was here my first year at OKC, so I know what he’s about. Will as well,” he said. “They know what they’re doing.”
In Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s view, the pieces are already in place.
“They check all the boxes,” he said.
The next step is the hardest and the most expected.
“Now they just gotta focus on getting better every day.”
And if that growth continues, he believes the outcome is inevitable: “They’ll get to where they want to go eventually.”
Then, with a reminder of where his own team stands: “…until they run into us.”