Locked On Wizards - Daily Podcast On The Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards were down big-time after a disastrous second quarter. Still, a great second half headlined by the Wizards' young wings, Bilal Coulibaly, Cam Whitmore, and Kyshawn George, nearly led a massive comeback. Are the wing players the difference for this team?

Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi react following the Wizards' 12th-straight loss.

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Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down Dawkins' revealing radio interview, where he acknowledged defensive inconsistencies and hinted at a shrinking rotation to improve team chemistry. The discussion examines critical roster decisions, including Will Riley's G League development as a potential point forward, the team's glaring playmaking deficiency at point guard, and whether players like A.J. Johnson should be getting G League reps instead of sitting on the bench. The hosts preview a challenging matchup against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, analyzing how Alex Sarr matches up against four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert while...

Washington Wizards hold players-only meeting after 11th straight loss. Are deeper organizational problems surfacing? The analysis breaks down Washington's historically catastrophic start—a minus-217 point differential, the worst defense in the league, and zero home wins since April. Greg Finberg from Bullets Forever joins to examine whether the coaching staff has lost control, why Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George are developing while Bub Carrington regresses, and if the rebuild strategy is building terrible habits instead of future success. The discussion covers potential coaching replacements like Mike Malone and Sam Cassell, the point guard void crippling offensive creativity, and how co...

The Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets both entered the game an NBA-worst 1-11. With that being said, the Nets dominated the majority of the game. It was not a good look for Washington, who struggled mightily on defense again.

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Ben Strober breaks down Will Riley's impressive performance with the Wizards' G League affiliate, analyzing why the 21st overall pick needed developmental reps despite being "too good" for that level. The discussion covers Riley's limited NBA opportunities under Brian Keefe, his offensive toolkit from his Illinois days, and an insider perspective on why Riley could become a special player. Key topics include the Wizards' player development philosophy under Will Dawkins and Michael Winger, Riley's potential as a point-forward alongside Keyshawn George, and how post-trade deadline opportunities could accelerate his NBA role.

Can Riley's playmaking ability solve Washington's...

The Wizards' losing streak isn't failure—it's strategic asset gathering. Danny Rouhier from the Grant and Danny Show joins to explain why developing Alex Sarr into a franchise cornerstone matters more than chasing mediocrity. The conversation tackles Brian Keefe's coaching evaluation through player development metrics rather than wins, Tre Johnson's underutilized shooting ability, and why the team needs to throw young players into end-game situations. The 2025 draft class takes center stage with passionate debate over AJ Dybantsa versus Darren Peterson, plus insights on why Washington needs a homegrown superstar to finally join the NBA's elite destination cities. Capital City Go...

The Washington Wizards lost their 10th-straight game on Wednesday, falling to the Houston Rockets. The effort was poor early on, which prompted frustrations from Wizards HC Brian Keefe to begin the second half. The effort was better in the second half. Hear Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break it all down.

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Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down Sarr's defensive dominance—ranking second in the NBA with 2.5 blocks per game behind only Victor Wembanyama—and his elite switch defense capabilities that rank among the league's best. The hosts analyze his offensive evolution, including doubled paint scoring, top-three elbow production, and league-leading screen assists. Per-100-possession statistics reveal shocking jumps: field goal percentage from 39% to 52%, points per game up nearly 8, and paint scoring doubled from last season.

The discussion includes comparisons to Evan Mobley's All-Star trajectory, Most Improved Player candidacy, and a preview of the upcoming matchup against the Hous...

Unreal game in Detroit. The Wizards are stunned in overtime by the Pistons after Detroit's game-tying buzzer beater in regulation. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi react, weighing in on the Wizards putting up one of the biggest fights they've had in years.

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Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe's shocking late-game blunder against Dallas exposes deeper problems plaguing the franchise's eight-game losing streak. With the worst defense in the league, allowing 46 field goals per game, the Wizards face mounting questions about coaching competence and player development. Greg Finberg from Bullets Forever breaks down Keefe's critical clock management error, plus the rotation chaos affecting Malachi Branham, Cam Whitmore, and struggling point guard Bub Carrington. The conversation explores Alex Sarr's breakout performance as the team's lone bright spot, Kyshawn George's foul trouble concerns, and whether non-competitive fourth quarters are sabotaging the rebuild trajectory. Finberg...

Abdullah Ayubi breaks down the Wizards' crushing defeat against the Dallas Mavericks 111-105. 8th loss in a row for the Wiz, but Cam Whitmore looked great!

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It was a tough night for the Wizards, who were missing Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly. However, in the team's 7th-straight loss, Justin Champagnie continued to prove why he's so underrated. He had a tough night on offense, but he grabbed 11 rebounds, 6th of them on the offensive glass. Is it time to consider him a potential core player for the Wizards? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break it all down.

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Washington Wizards rookies and sophomores show dramatic growth 10% into the 2024-25 season, but is the organization's tanking strategy limiting their potential? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down Tre Johnson's rookie campaign and why the lack of a true point guard is restricting his opportunities for quality looks. The discussion highlights Keyshawn George's emergence as the team's best two-way player, shooting over 50% from three-point range while handling primary ball-handling duties. Alex Sarr's sophomore leap takes center stage with massive statistical improvements across the board—including a 31-point performance against Boston—raising questions about Most Improved Player consideration. The hosts addr...

The Washington Wizards got EMBARASSED by the Celtics tonight, losing their 6th in a row. Alex Sarr dropped 31 points, but it was overshadowed by another non-competitive night. We thought minutes were supposed to be earned...we're not seeing that.

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Washington Wizards' Point Guard Crisis Threatens Young Core Development. Seven games into the season, the Washington Wizards rank 29th in offensive efficiency with a glaring problem: no true point guard. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down how this roster gap is stunting the development of Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, and Bilal Coulibaly, while forcing wing Keyshawn George into an uncomfortable playmaking role. The hosts provide their first lottery update with the Wizards sitting at 1-6, analyzing why staying in the bottom four is critical to keeping their top-8 protected pick from Phoenix. They defend the front office's rebuilding...

It was another very tough night for the Wizards, who lost their fifth game in a row. The New York Knicks used a massive third-quarter run to dismantle the Wizards, who had no answer. Hear Ben Strober and Adbullah Ayubi react LIVE following the loss.

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Co-Host Abdullah Ayubi breaks down the Wizards' crushing loss against the Orlando Magic 125-94. Is this young squad able to compete? Abdullah breaks down why it is too early to give up on the Wiz kids.

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Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi react live to the Washington Wizards' loss to the OKC Thunder. Bilal Coulubaly was a nice spark, but the Wizards could not keep pace in the fourth, and some questionable rotations led to the Thunder pulling away.

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Bilal Coulibaly makes his season debut for the Washington Wizards after thumb surgery, but who loses their starting spot? The rotation battle intensifies as the team's best perimeter defender returns to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down Alex Sarr's offensive breakthrough, including his 31-point performance against Philadelphia and his league-leading efficiency in pick-and-roll situations. The discussion covers Kyshawn George's emergence as a playmaker, the frustrating veteran decision-making in clutch moments, and why Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum should see reduced minutes. With Chet Holmgren sidelined, the hosts analyze how...

Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi react to the Washington Wizards' shocking OT loss to the 76ers. The Wizards led by 15 with 5 minutes left and let the game get to overtime. Alex Sarr dominated the game, but it got overshadowed by the Wizards' shocking collapse.

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Wizards' young core shines, but coaching decisions raise eyebrows. Is tanking the real game plan? Ben Strober breaks down the Washington Wizards' performance after their first three games, highlighting the promising trio of Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Alex Sarr. The discussion covers Brian Keefe's controversial rotation choices against the Charlotte Hornets and their impact on the team's defensive collapse. Strober analyzes the upcoming matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, focusing on key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

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The Washington Wizards have their first win of the year after Kyshawn George dropped a career-high 34 points in Dallas. The Wizards' youth paved the way to the victory. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi react live to the win and break down all of the big-time moments.

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Rookie sensation Tre Johnson stuns in Wizards debut. Is he the key to transforming Washington's offense? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down Johnson's impressive performance, comparing his shooting form to Bradley Beal's and analyzing his impact on team spacing. The duo explores strategies to maximize Johnson's involvement, from pin-down screens to off-ball movement reminiscent of Steph Curry. They preview the upcoming Wizards-Mavericks matchup, discussing potential defensive schemes against Luka Dončić and how Washington can exploit Dallas' weaknesses.

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The Wizards fell to the Bucks in the season opener as they were overmatched big time. Ben and Abdullah provide their live reaction, showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

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In today’s episode of Locked On Wizards, Lynnell Willingham from The Team 980 joins the program to weigh in on the outlook of this developmental journey the Washington Wizards are on. Lynnell, Abdullah, and Ben discuss what to watch for in the pending Wizards’ season, which begins tomorrow. Later on, Ben and Abdullah discuss Will Dawkins’ comments on the Junkies, which reiterate the idea that the Wizards are driven to see the developmental process through.

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Bub Carrington's full return to practice signals a positive moment for the Washington Wizards. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi dissect the young point guard's potential impact and the team's finalized 2025 roster. The hosts analyze the abundance of wing players, debating potential trades and minute distribution. Kyshawn George's preseason performance takes center stage, while concerns arise over Bilal Coulibaly's shooting mechanics. The frontcourt rotation comes under scrutiny, with Alex Sarr's improved aggressiveness highlighted. Tune in for expert insights on the Wizards' roster decisions and how they might shape the team's performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in the season opener.

The local experts from the Locked On NBA Channel kick off the Locked On NBA Squad Show East by breaking down which team the Eastern Conference runs through after major injuries to the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. Join Nick Angstadt, Tony East (Locked On Pacers), Gavin Schall (Locked On Knicks), Philip Rossman-Reich (Locked On Magic), David Ramil (Locked On Heat), and a cameo from Matt Moore (Locked On NBA) as they debate if the New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers are the true favorites, analyzing their playoff track records, roster upgrades, and coaching changes. The conversation explores how...

The Washington Wizards dropped the final preseason game to the Detroit Pistons, but it was a night where Kyshawn George was a menace on both sides of the ball. The second-year player showed massive strides. However, Bub Carrington left the game with left knee soreness, which leaves the question, who fills in at PG if he's out? Hear Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi weigh in.

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Wizards shake up offense: Ball movement takes center stage in preseason. Is this the key to unlocking their potential? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down the Washington Wizards' new offensive strategy, highlighting Khris Middleton's playmaking and Alex Sarr's potential resurgence. The duo analyzes how team-oriented basketball could transform the Wizards' fortunes, contrasting it with last season's isolation-heavy approach. They also debate Corey Kispert's future and preview the final preseason matchup against the Detroit Pistons, discussing young talents like Cam Whitmore and Jamir Watkins. Tune in for expert insights on the Wizards' evolving game plan and its impact on...

Washington Wizards stun fans with unexpected defensive improvements. Is a playoff push on the horizon? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down the Wizards' impressive preseason performance with Bullets Forever's Greg Finberg, highlighting Cam Whitmore's clutch plays and Alex Sar's evolving role. The discussion covers Will Dawkins' roster strategy and how the Wizards might fare defensively. Greg Finberg from Bullets Forever offers insider perspectives on veteran additions CJ McCollum and Chris Middleton, while analyzing rookie Will Riley's potential. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of the Wizards' path to success. Will their defensive resurgence translate to regular-season wins?

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Wizards' rookies stun in preseason clash against Knicks. Will Riley and Trey Johnson shine as Washington's future takes shape. Is Will Riley earning himself NBA minutes when the season starts? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down the Washington Wizards' impressive preseason victory, highlighting Riley's 17-point performance and Johnson's sharpshooting prowess. The discussion covers Marvin Bagley's double-double, Jamiir Watkins' defensive impact, and how these young talents are reshaping the Wizards' roster. Key topics include Washington's evolving offensive strategy, the team's transition game, and potential rotations for the upcoming season. Can the Wizards' rookies maintain their momentum when they face...

Alex Sarr only played one half for the Washington Wizards, but it was a DOMINANT one. The Wizards fell on a buzzer-beater in the preseason opener, but Sarr's performance ignites hope that he's poised for a big second year. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break the game down live from Capital One Arena and tell you all you need to know from the Washington Wizards' preseason opener. Follow along for coverage all season long!

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Wizards shake up roster ahead of crucial preseason. Will Bilal Coulibaly live up to the hype as Washington's top draft pick? Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network breaks down the Washington Wizards' productive offseason, highlighting key acquisitions and surprising draft choices. The discussion covers Cam Whitmore's athletic prowess, Alex Sarr's development as a rim threat, and Keyshawn George's potential for a breakout season. Hughes analyzes the team's renewed focus on defense and its impact on playing time for young talents like Coulibaly and Whitmore. Can the Wizards' offseason moves translate to on-court success? Tune in for expert insights on...

The NBA's General Manager survey came out, and most of them don't seem to believe in Tre Johnson's potential with Washington. Ben and Abdullah understand why, but they weigh in on why they believe the Wizards got a steal in Tre Johnson. Also, the two hosts highlight some recent comments from Wizards' newcomer Cam Whitmore, who looks uber explosive. Lastly, Ben and Abdullah answer Wizards' fans' most pressing questions in the latest Locked On Wizards mailbag!

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Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubin break down the Washington Wizards' offseason moves and predict their impact on the upcoming season. From drafting Tre Johnson to trading Jordan Poole, the hosts analyze how these changes reshape the team's identity. They explore the potential of rising stars like Alex Sarr and debate whether the Wizards' youth movement can disrupt the league's established order. Will Tre Johnson emerge as a Rookie of the Year contender? Can the Wizards' scrappy defense frustrate elite opponents? Tune in for bold predictions on win totals and playoff chances in this must-listen preview of Washington's 2025-26 campaign.<...

Wizards' Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson: Shaping the Future of Washington Basketball? Is Alex Sarr not made for a tough, physical, post-game on the offensive side? Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi dissect the Washington Wizards' preseason developments, focusing on Alex Sar's evolving role and rookie Tre Johnson's impressive work ethic. The hosts analyze Sarr's shooting form and debate his potential as a stretch four or traditional center. They explore Johnson's intense practice habits and discuss how the Wizards' center depth, including Tristan Vuckevic and Marvin Bagley, could impact lineup strategies. Tune in for expert insights on the Wizards' defensive...

Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi dissect Sar's crucial development, highlighting his rookie year progress and areas for improvement. The hosts break down recent inner-squad scrimmages, spotlighting Cam Whitmore's playmaking and Keyshawn George's clutch performance. Tre Johnson's Rookie of the Year potential takes center stage, with bold predictions for his impact off the bench.

Will the Wizards exceed expectations in their challenging early-season schedule? Tune in for expert analysis on Washington's path forward and key players to watch in this rebuilding year.

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Wizards' young core under the microscope: Is a franchise player emerging? The Washington Wizards enter year three of their rebuild with 12 players under 24, but questions linger about their long-term potential. Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi dissect the Wizards' roster, focusing on key players like Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, and Kyshawn George. They analyze Sarr's offensive development, debate the team's strategic shifts, and evaluate each young player's ceiling. The hosts also explore the Wizards' offensive needs, discussing how recent acquisitions might address their weaknesses in spot-up shooting and post play.

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Monumental Sports Network's sudden departure from Hulu TV and YouTube TV leaves Washington Wizards fans in the dark. How will this impact the team's rebuilding efforts and fan engagement? Former Locked On Wizards host Troy Haliburton breaks down the streaming dispute, exploring its origins and potential solutions. The discussion covers the current $20/month pricing dilemma, comparisons to other teams' approaches, and the PR fallout for Monumental Sports. Halliburton also shares insights on the Wizards' young core, including Tre Johnson's shooting prowess and Kyshawn George's intriguing upside. Check out Troy's Subtack: https://troyhaliburton.substack.com/p/monumental-crossroads-why-losing?r=yuum&utm...