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Wizards Rookie Eyeing Major Milestone

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Washington Wizards rookie Kyshawn George

Born and raised in Switzerland, Washington Wizards rookie forward Kyshawn George could become the latest NBA player to join Team Canada. The 21-year-old’s last time playing for a national basketball team was in 2019, for his home country. However, his father was born and raised in Montreal, per the Canadian Press. In fact, he has several family members that are still there.

There are likely multiple factors that contribute to George’s desire to switch jerseys, including his family ties. Nevertheless, for at least the second time this season, he’s expressed his hope of playing for Team Canada. With the Canadian national team having qualified for the FIBA AmeriCup 2025, which begins at the end of August, he might be able to join them as early as this offseason.

Wizards Rookie Kyshawn George Eyeing Major Milestone

“I want to join the Canadian national team,” George tells The Canadian Basketball Show in a recent interview.

“Obviously, I don’t know exactly how my summer’s going to look like right now. I know I’m going to spend a lot of time in Washington (D.C) as well… Like I said, it’s not in my control right. I want to play for the Canadian national team and we’ll see.”

“…I want to work on my game and get better over the summer,” he responds. “Whether that is in Summer League, in Washington, Team Canada, in Switzerland. Wherever it is, I just want to get better, to be able to get the best version of myself for next year. That’s all I want to do.”

Kyshawn’s Bag

George’s rookie season has been a mixed bag.

He’s averaging 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.8 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game. Since the All-Star Break, he’s upped those numbers. In 28.7 minutes, he’s averaging 10.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His game-highs in points (24), three-pointers (6), rebounds (10), assists (8), steals (3), and blocks (5) are all beyond reproach.

So too is playmaking, offensively and defensively.

He’s a smooth facilitator off-the-dribble, which makes him a live player. The same processing speed that serves him well in this area aids him at the other end, where his length and basketball IQ multiply his anticipation and instincts.

The problem has been his overall efficiency, from both outside and inside.

Sharpening The Swiss Army Knife

George is a textbook jump shooter. However, thus far in his young career, he’s made just 32.1 percent of his 3s. Though George shot 40.8 percent from 3 in college, distance may not be the concern, as he’s shooting 34.8 percent on corner 3s. Having his feet set may not be the biggest difference-maker either, as he’s made 34.4 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s.

Perhaps it’s all about rhythm with the Swiss shooter though. Over the course of this season, made 36.8 percent of his stepbacks 3s. Since the All-Star Break, he’s converted 37.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s. In February, he made 44.4 percent of his 3-point attempts. When he’s played at least 30 minutes, he’s shooting 39.0 percent from deep.

As a finisher, George has had trouble getting his layups to go down. Refining his 3-ball is essential, especially with a 64.9 percent 3-point attempt rate. Nevertheless, the ability to get into the lane can make him a more dynamic scorer. Without an advanced ball-handling package, he’s already shown that he can beat defenders off the dribble.

He just has to make more than the thought count.

O Canada?

George could improve significantly over the offseason. His recent numbers, coupled with the skillset he’s put on display since Miami, lend credence to the idea that he’s on an upwards trajectory. With that being said, Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has walked away from Team Canada to reduce the strain on his family. As a result, the national team may not offer George the level of player development that he wants.

Still, Fernandez certainly isn’t the only coach that excels in that area.

In fact, Canada head coach Nathaniel Mitchell does as well. Michael Meeks, who has held roles as an assistant coach and general manager for Canada, is a former national team player. Last and perhaps not least, Canada assistant Jon Goodwillie coached for the Toronto Raptors under Nick Nurse.

© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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