The Washington Wizards suffered a disappointing outcome in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, dropping from the No. 2 projected spot down to No. 6. Despite the setback, General Manager Will Dawkins struck an optimistic tone in his comments to Varun Shankar of The Washington Post, choosing to focus on the opportunities that still lie ahead for the rebuilding franchise.
“We started the day with zero, and we walked away with six. So that’s the mindset we have coming in,” Dawkins said, emphasizing a glass-half-full perspective on the lottery results.
While the fall to the sixth pick was a letdown, the Wizards still possess a valuable asset in the No. 18 overall pick as well—acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal made before the trade deadline earlier this year. With two first-round picks at their disposal, Dawkins and the front office are preparing to get back to work.
“We gained the sixth pick this year, and we also have 18,” he noted. “So time to get back to work with our scouts.”
Dawkins also hinted that the Wizards could be active in exploring trade scenarios. Whether it’s moving up in the draft or dealing their selections to address other roster needs, the front office appears open to various paths forward.
“We’ll look to move … but we’re very comfortable staying where we’re at,” Dawkins said, signaling both flexibility and confidence heading into the next phase of the offseason.
While Washington may not have gotten the lottery result they hoped for, they still enter the 2025 NBA Draft with multiple chances to add young talent – and possibly shake things up through trades – making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
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