Wizards Delay Debut of Davis and Young Again

Star acquisitions remain sidelined as Washington struggles through disappointing season

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Washington Wizards are facing continued challenges in their rebuilding process as newly acquired stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young remain unavailable for their much-anticipated debuts. Despite holding a 14-39 record, the Wizards are focusing on developing their young core, including promising talents like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, as they wait for their new superstars to recover and join the team.

Why it matters

The absence of Davis and Young is a setback for Wizards fans eager to see the new superstar duo in action, but it may serve the team's long-term goals by keeping the focus on their young core. With the possibility of a high draft pick, Washington has the opportunity to reinforce their roster alongside their recovered stars, giving them a stronger foundation moving forward.

The details

Head coach Brian Keefe confirmed that while Anthony Davis has officially joined the team in Washington, he did not participate in drills during practice. Keefe also revealed that Trae Young is still recovering from a serious MCL injury and remains not cleared for physical contact, forcing the guard to continue sitting out the remainder of the season.

  • The Wizards have resumed practice following the NBA All-Star break.

The players

Anthony Davis

A star player who was recently acquired by the Washington Wizards but remains sidelined due to injury.

Trae Young

A star player who was recently acquired by the Washington Wizards but remains sidelined due to a serious MCL injury.

Alex Sarr

A promising young player on the Washington Wizards roster.

Kyshawn George

A promising young player on the Washington Wizards roster.

Tre Johnson

A rookie guard on the Washington Wizards roster who recently had a breakout performance.

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What they’re saying

“Trae Young did not practice today. 'He's still not cleared for contact yet,' Wizards coach Brian Keefe said when asked about Young.”

— Brian Keefe, Wizards Head Coach (Twitter)

What’s next

The Wizards will play their upcoming home game against the Indiana Pacers without Anthony Davis and Trae Young.

The takeaway

The Wizards' focus on developing their young core while waiting for Davis and Young to recover could pay off in the long run, as the team looks to build a stronger foundation for the future.