Each season, the NBA sees a young, bright star take over in what is considered to be their "breakout" season. Last season, the Washington Wizards ' breakout player was Kyshawn George . He took a major leap forward and seems to be one of the most important pieces of their roster heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) on the bench after fouling out against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Chase Center. Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Now, heading into a fresh new era of Wizards basketball, who will be their next breakout star? With so many young pieces, it's hard to predict, but three names stand out when you look at the numbers and potential.
The Wizards are entering the 2026-27 season with one of the best rosters Washington has ever had. Headlined by two former All-Stars and an exciting young core, the Wizards are pushing for the postseason for the first time in five years. However, the Eastern Conference is arguably the strongest it's ever been, and Washington will need everyone to pitch in.
With that, the Wizards are banking on at least one player from this list to become their next breakout star. Now with the spotlight back in the nation's capital, which player will become Washington's unsung hero this season?
Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) splits the defense of Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (0) and guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Photo Credit: Jim Rassol, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Rising sophomore Tre Johnson could cement himself as one of the best players from the 2025 NBA Draft this season. The sixth overall pick had a solid rookie campaign, averaging 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and two assists across 60 games. After starting 42 games last season, Johnson will most likely be getting bench touches after Washington drafted AJ Dybantsa this summer. However, starting or not, Johnson is a certified bucket-getter, putting him high on the breakout radar.
Becoming the sixth man in Washington should give the Texas product plenty of advantages. The 19-year-old's shooting ability will no doubt complement Trae Young 's game. Although the sample size was small last season, Young and Johnson seem to have great chemistry. Young's offensive gravity will bring defenders in, and Johnson's catch-and-shoot range is beyond limitless. If defenders act too quickly, either guard will torch them with their scoring ability.
Once Young gets subbed out, Johnson will be the primary offensive option on the floor. He'll split primary ball-handler responsibilities, which will let him dominate the bench touches on offense. His shooting ability is limited, but he also has an elite shot-creating ability. If he can get going with Young on the floor before the bench gets emptied, he could be in for big games night after night.
Washington Wizards guard Will Riley (27) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor (24) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Last season, Will Riley started his rookie campaign in the G League, with his relevance unknown to most. However, he put the league on notice with his elite scoring, highlighted by two back-to-back 30+ point games in April . The rising sophomore's role is a bit unclear at the moment, but with a spectacular summer league display, he'll have at least a bench look to start the season. Coming off an amazing back half of his rookie season, it's only a matter of time until Riley blossoms into an elite prospect.
Coming off the bench, Riley will benefit from playing off-ball to Johnson and Bub Carrington . With both guards being three-level scorers, Riley will get great catch-and-drive opportunities, giving him good looks to get going before jumping into isolation. Arguably the best part of the 20-year-old's game is finishing at the rim, and getting him going early is crucial to the bench's success in starting a game strong.
One flaw in the forward's game that could prohibit a breakout season is his defense. At times last season, Riley would frequently lose track of his man, looking lost or spending too much time ball-watching. His offensive game is elite, but his lackluster defense could limit his playing time during his sophomore season.
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) dunks against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
After a phenomenal but injury-plagued second season in the NBA, Alex Sarr looks primed to be the Wizards' X-Factor this season. If Sarr can stay healthy, which became an underlying question for next season, he'll not just be a defensive anchor, but one of Washington's most dangerous weapons alongside Young and Anthony Davis . The big man put his physicality questions to bed last season, and now could be a part of one of the league's most formidable front courts next season.
His defense has no question marks, but his offensive game will unlock Washington's true potential. The key for Sarr is Young and the success of their pick-and-roll game. Sarr provides defenses with a matchup nightmare in two-on-two situations, able to shoot and finish at an elite level. It's also yet to be seen how the two will mesh on the floor, and what Davis' addition to the lineup will bring.
On one hand, Sarr's elite scoring will unlock more space for Davis to operate. However, Sarr's offense in his rookie season wasn't the best, in part due to Jonas Valančiūnas' lack of outside scoring. Defenses could clog the paint, forcing Sarr to shoot consistently. While he's a decent shooter, his best offense is when he has the shot, drive, or finish available. If Davis fails to clear out, the paint may become too crowded for Sarr to play his game truly.
If you had to put your money on Washington's breakout candidate, Johnson seems to be the most reliable pick. His scoring will no doubt take a major leap this season as he commands the offense. Riley's potential hinges solely on his defensive development over the offseason, and Sarr's game, while elite, has many question marks with the new additions on offense. Johnson's scoring will be an absolute must for the Wizards to contend, and he's got the confidence to become one of the league's most exciting breakout stars.
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