Exclusive: Bub Carrington’s heartfelt understanding of Wizards fan loyalty

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Exclusive: Bub Carrington’s heartfelt understanding of Wizards fan loyalty

Joshua Valdez, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, May 12, 2026 ·

5 min read

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Exclusive: Bub Carrington's heartfelt understanding of Wizards fan loyalty appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

VIRGINIA — The Washington Wizards have gone from national obscurity to one of the NBA's hottest topics since drafting guard Bub Carrington No. 14 overall out of the University of Pittsburgh in June 2024. The franchise was devoid of star talent, but now has four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young , five-time All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, and the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft . They'll likely select either BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, or Duke forward Cameron Boozer , who each have the upside to lead a team to a championship one day.

Meanwhile, Carrington is in his second NBA offseason after averaging 10.7 points on 42.4% shooting (40.8% 3-point) with 3.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists over 27.7 minutes (82 games) in his sophomore campaign. The 20-year-old's role with the Wizards moving forward is uncertain given the roster changes, but he's focusing on what he can control.

That includes showing love to Washington fans, which he did at the Blowout Cards store in Chantilly, Va., on Friday. The Baltimore native interacted with them and signed autographs as part of the Panini America Mobile Tour, which promotes the company's 2026 FIFA World Cup Sticker Album.

Carrington stayed for two hours as numerous people of all ages expressed their admiration while handing him jerseys and trading cards to sign.

In an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints during the event, the 2025 All-Rookie honoree admitted that he's flattered by the fanfare.

"It shows me how enthusiastic they are," he said. "Like, they're asking basketball questions…It makes you more aware of how they appreciate you, to be honest. [And it's a reminder of] how everything you do, everyone sees it."

That last part shows why these types of events are important for young players like Carrington. The microscope on the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder is about to increase, as he must prove that he's worthy of being on competitive Wizards teams moving forward. So far, he's only played in seasons in which the organization sacrificed winning to develop its young players and maximize odds in the NBA Draft Lottery, which is partially why he's averaged 28.8 minutes per game in his career thus far.

Carrington having awareness of that microscope means that he understands the stakes. The two-time Rising Star's on-court success will not only determine his future, but it'll influence Washington fans' moods as well.

Every sports franchise relies on the loyalty of its fanbase, and the Wizards are lucky to still have fans lining up to see their players at offseason events. They haven't made a conference finals appearance since 1979, haven't made the playoffs since 2021, and have gone 50-196 since team president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins took over in 2023. However, their supporters still believe in them, evidenced by instances like people telling Carrington, "I skipped my math test to see you," and "I love watching you guys play" on Friday.

For now, Washington entrusts the 2024 ACC All-Rookie honoree to help maintain that enthusiasm on and off the court.

"I'm pretty seasoned [with off-court fan events]," he said. "The Wizards allow me to do a lot of things like this. It's nice to see fans being fans outside of the arena. They actually want to meet you and keep up with your life. It's pretty nice that you can be an attraction."

Bub Carrington's connection with fans is deeper than basketball

While a basketball player signing autographs might not look like a world-changing event on the surface, Carrington understands the meaning behind it.

"You know, there was someone I looked up to when I was growing up. And without that person, I probably wouldn't be where I am right now," he said. "When people show me that I can be that for someone else, you know, that's a lot. That's another person trying to accomplish their dreams…I'm kind of a soft guy, I want a better world."

Carrington does his part to improve society, such as when he hosts youth basketball camps and mental health clinics in Baltimore.

"[Fans] should stay tuned for my basketball camp, my second one this year," he said. "More details on that soon."

Dawkins told ClutchPoints in April 2025 that the Wizards look at "people first" when adding young players , and Carrington is evidence of that. He's been a model of availability and honorable character, as he's played in all 164 games over his two seasons and has never gotten in trouble. He is also a two-time recipient of the Dr. E.B. Henderson Award, a Wizards team award recognizing players for exceptional community work.

If Carrington proves himself as a reliable bench piece moving forward, Washington fans may get to see him at more events like Friday's for years to come. For now, they must wait until June 23 to find out who the Wizards will draft No. 1 overall as the franchise aims to finally give them a product they deserve.

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