Like many rebuilding teams, the Washington Wizards have plenty of potential breakout candidates. The players at the top of the list are Alex Sarr, Cam Whitmore, and Bub Carrington. However, Kyshawn George is easily the most overlooked option. In fact, he has the potential to become the best player on the team by the end of next year.
Heading into his sophomore campaign, the 21-year-old gave reporters some comparisons he’s heard about his game.
Wizards Kyshawn George Reveals Intriguing Comparisons
George showed he has one of the highest ceilings from the 2024 NBA draft, and he’s ready to make it known. This season is a time of growth and competitive spirit for the young Wizards core, and George could solidify himself as a Wizards cornerstone with a great season.
Speaking of Kyshawn’s yin/yang combo of calmness and aggressiveness, this quote stood out to me today.
The jump he’s looking to make this year:
“Not having too many possessions where you don’t know that Kyshawn George is on the court.” pic.twitter.com/MFTvBJFkRA
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) October 2, 2025
George points out two players: longtime NBA journeyman Joe Ingles and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s all-around unit Jalen Williams.
Both of these players are great comparisons for George but let’s inspect them more closely.
Joe Ingles
Ingles has been in the league for 11 seasons, playing for the Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His best campaign was in the 2020-21 season, where he averaged 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, and was the runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year race. In terms of both size and skill, George and Ingles share some similarities. However, the hope should be that George grows his game and surpasses the Ingles comparisons quickly.
In a true, foundation-altering rebuild, teams aren’t drafting or trading players to become an Ingles. With that being said, Ingles could be looked at as George’s floor. In his prime, Ingles was a key piece in Utah, providing a big spark off the bench. George was much the same last season and now he should be in a position for a much larger role.
Jalen Williams
Williams should be considered George’s ceiling. He’s Oklahoma City Thunder leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s co-star and for good reason. Over Williams’ first three seasons in the NBA, the Santa Clara product has averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. This past season, he was an All-Star selection, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and made the All-Defensive Second Team.
George and Williams were both brought into very similar situations in their rookie years. Both squads have been built through the draft and have been given plenty of opportunities to grow and improve. In turn, it allows them to correct mistakes on the court rather than on the bench. Both players are well-rounded, being studs on both ends of the floor.
They both have great defensive senses, with strong awareness to go for blocks and jump passing lanes. Offensively, they can spread the floor and shoot the three-pointer, while also creating their own shot or driving and finishing strong. Both players can playmake as well, with Williams being the secondary option in that department and George most likely taking on a similar role this season.
The Last Word
George should seek to break out this season and put the league on notice. He has all the potential in the world and could solidify a long-term future in D.C. He’s got all the tools necessary; it’s just about putting it all together.
© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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