The Washington rookie has been lighting up the scoreboard recently and has become a dangerous offensive weapon down the stretch
By Wesley Dixon | April 11, 2026
Will Riley has used the final stretch of the season to show the Washington Wizards he is far more than a long-term project. The 6’9″ rookie wing has looked like a player who has taken the next step and is poised for a meaningful role as early as next season.
Riley’s emergence has been fueled by a recent scoring surge. He scored 31 points against the Miami Heat on April 4, then followed with 30 points against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his ability to take over games offensively. Since the All-Star break, Riley has looked like a different player, averaging 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 46.8% shooting from the field.
What makes Riley intriguing is how his skill set translates. At his size, he offers a rare blend of ball-handling, self-creation, and fluidity. He has become much better at attacking off the dribble, getting to his spots, and finishing through contact. Riley’s paint finishing has been the most impressive part of his game, as a 72.4% shooting percentage at the rim puts him in the 82nd percentile leaguewide. His finishing should only improve with time, as Riley has a frame that can still add muscle. This will help him be more aggressive, driving to the basket and putting more pressure on the defense.
His ability to operate with the ball in his hands is especially valuable for a Washington team that has struggled at times to generate consistent offense. Riley’s development gives the Wizards another option, one who can continue to grow as a player while making things easier for the other young players around him.
There are still areas that need refinement, particularly on the defensive end. His -3.4 Defensive Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus (DRAPM) is in the first percentile leaguewide; when Riley is on the court, the defense gets worse. The eye test confirms the stats as well: Riley can appear disengaged at times, not fight over screens, and get pushed around by stronger players. He still has the size and frame to be a decent defender, but only time will tell if he grows into that projection.
If Riley can add strength this offseason and keep expanding his game, the Wizards will have a legitimate building block for the future. His scoring punch, on-ball creation, and upside as a versatile wing give Washington a foundation piece who can grow alongside the rest of the roster. For a franchise searching for long-term answers, Riley’s trajectory offers a player who can help define the next era of Wizards basketball.
Wesley Dixon is a multi-sport journalist delivering sharp analysis, player insights, and storytelling. His coverage spans across the biggest leagues in all major sports.
