Washington\u2019s roster-building philosophy came into sharper focus this week, and the latest moves appear to be a continuation of the next phase general manager Will Dawkins described following the team\u2019s additions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the span of a few days, the Wizards acquired center DeAndre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers, brought back forward Khris Middleton through a sign-and-trade with Dallas, and re-signed Young, reinforcing the team\u2019s commitment to surrounding its young foundation with proven veteran talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a recent one-on-one conversation with Double Take Sports, Will Dawkins explained that Washington\u2019s January and February moves represented a turning point in the rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would say what we did in January and adding in February with Trae [Young] and Anthony Davis probably ended the deconstruction phase,\u201d Will Dawkins said. \u201cAt that point, we were so confident in our young players that we had already in the last three drafts, we were going to be more competitive anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that foundation in place, Dawkins described the organization as entering a new stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNow we’re starting our ascent, I think that\u2019s how I would define it,\u201d Dawkins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That ascent is centered around building something sustainable, with Washington balancing young talent and veteran leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re starting to climb to achieving what our goal is, sustained success, and we\u2019re here to make sure that happens for our fans,\u201d Will Dawkins said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Alex Sarr entering his third season and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa<\/a> set to join the roster as a rookie, Washington isn\u2019t simply adding established names. The Wizards are surrounding their young core with players who have experience navigating the expectations that come with winning basketball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n