Photo: Washington Wizards/X

For many years, the Washington Wizards hesitated to fully embrace a rebuilding strategy. Instead, they made small adjustments to their roster annually, aiming to remain competitive for playoff spots. However, with their new front office in place, the Wizards are now committed to a complete rebuild.

“If we’re really to think about it, the phases of the rebuild,” said Wizards GM Will Dawkins. “There’s the deconstruction phase. There’s the laying-the-foundation phase. There’s the building it back up, and then there’s fortifying what you build. We’re still focused on deconstructing and laying that foundation. And I think that’s important to remind everyone, that we’re still early (in the process).”

Dawkins expressed enthusiasm for what Brian Keefe can achieve in his first full season as head coach, having shed the interim label after being appointed permanently this offseason. The Wizards GM also believes the current roster possesses greater versatility than before.

“I would say our fans can anticipate us using that versatility that we’ve added. We want to play (players at) multiple positions. I think you’ve seen we’ve added bigger, longer guys,” Dawkins noted. “We are going to be a better defensive team. We are going to have more of a better disposition. Are we going to make massive strides? Probably not right away. But the intent, the effort, that will be better.”