Wizards Sit Out Anthony Davis to Preserve Draft Odds

Injured big man cleared for light contact but may not return this season as Washington tanks for top pick

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Anthony Davis has been sidelined for nearly three months due to a hand injury sustained while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. After being traded to the Washington Wizards in February, Davis has yet to suit up for his new team. The Wizards recently announced that Davis' recovery is progressing as expected, and he has been cleared for light contact, but they may opt to keep him out for the remainder of the season as the team sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with a 17-58 record, giving them the best odds to secure the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Why it matters

The Wizards' decision to potentially sit out Davis for the rest of the season highlights the team's focus on rebuilding and securing a high draft pick, rather than rushing their star player back from injury. This strategy could pay off in the long run by allowing the Wizards to select a top prospect to pair with Davis and Trae Young, but it may disappoint fans hoping to see the new-look Wizards in action this season.

The details

Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand in January while still with the Mavericks. After being traded to the Wizards in February, the team announced that Davis' recovery is progressing as expected and he has been cleared for light contact. However, with the Wizards sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with a 17-58 record, the team may choose to keep Davis out for the remainder of the season to preserve their chances of securing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

  • Davis was injured in January while playing for the Mavericks.
  • Davis was traded to the Wizards in February.
  • The Wizards announced Davis' injury update on March 31, 2026.

The players

Anthony Davis

A star NBA player who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Washington Wizards in February 2026.

Trae Young

The Wizards' star point guard who was expected to form a formidable duo with Anthony Davis before the latter's injury.

AJ Dybantsa

A top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft that the Wizards could target with their likely high draft pick.

Darryn Peterson

Another top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft that the Wizards could select with their high draft pick.

Cameron Boozer

A highly touted prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft that the Wizards could potentially land with their likely top pick.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Wizards will continue to monitor Davis' recovery and provide updates on his status. If the team decides to sit him out for the remainder of the season, the focus will shift to the 2026 NBA Draft, where they will have a high pick to potentially select a top prospect to pair with Davis and Young.

The takeaway

The Wizards' decision to potentially sit out Anthony Davis for the rest of the season highlights the team's long-term rebuilding strategy. By preserving their chances of securing a top draft pick, the Wizards can add another young talent to complement Davis and Trae Young, setting the foundation for a more competitive team in the future.