The Washington Wizards are making a clear and urgent push to fix one of the NBA's worst defenses after a season-ending 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 12, 2026. General manager Will Dawkins has identified rim protection, rebounding, and overall physicality as the primary areas for improvement heading into the new campaign.
Last season's numbers were brutal. Washington ranked 24th in three-point defense, 26th in opponent field goal percentage, and 29th in points allowed. They also owned the league's worst rebounding differential. A five-game losing streak to end the season, featuring scores like a 140-117 loss to Miami and a 129-98 defeat by Chicago, highlighted these persistent issues. Dawkins pointed to allowing the third-most paint points and a high foul rate as specific weaknesses that must be addressed.
Major changes are coming in the frontcourt. Rookie Alex Sarr is expected to be ready for Opening Night, potentially forming a formidable pairing with Anthony Davis. The addition of Deandre Ayton as a backup center is a key move. Dawkins called Ayton "probably the best backup center in the league," noting his career rebounding average. Together, Davis, Sarr, and Ayton have combined for an average of five blocks per game over their careers, which should immediately boost Washington's interior defense.
This new size and length is a central part of the plan. "I think we're longer, we're bigger, and we got a little bit more grown man strength to compete inside," Dawkins said. He believes this group can help the Wizards get back to being a top-15 defense consistently. The team has also brought in veteran coach Steve Clifford as a consultant and Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing as an assistant to guide the defensive overhaul.
Dawkins isn't starting from zero. He cited the team's best ten-game stretch from the 2025-26 season as proof that better defense is possible with this core. The front office thinks the current roster has the right personnel to improve. "We're here to play defense and we think we have the personnel in the locker room to do so," Dawkins stated.
The strategy is straightforward: protect the rim first, limit free throws, and contest open shots. With the new big-man trio, Washington aims to control the paint and the glass. Fans might get their first look at the Davis-Sarr pairing on October 21. While improvement will take time, the organization is committed to a "controlled pace" of development dictated by the players' progress.
