Wizards 2024-2025: Kyshawn George's Player Grades

Kyshawn George's Debut Season with the Washington Wizards

Kyshawn George was one of the standout rookies during the 2024 season, but he often found himself overshadowed by more prominent names like Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington. Despite this, George made a strong impression with the Washington Wizards, showcasing his potential as a versatile player.

George was selected in the latter part of the first round during the 2024 NBA Draft. At nearly 21 years old on draft night, he was considered an older prospect, which contributed to his lower ranking. Many teams viewed players with multiple years of college experience as less appealing due to their age. However, the Wizards saw something special in George and took a calculated risk that has already started to pay off.

Throughout his rookie season, George displayed impressive statistical numbers that could have easily earned him a spot on the All-Rookie Team. While he didn't make the final cut, his performance was still notable. Here are some key stats from his first season:

• 8.7 points per game
• 4.2 rebounds per game
• 2.5 assists per game
• 1.0 steals per game
• 37.2% shooting from the field
• 32.2% shooting from three-point range

Performance Overview

For a player who started in just over half of his games, these numbers are quite impressive. George came close to averaging double-digit points, and his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game was evident. Standing at six feet seven inches, he was a solid rebounder and a reliable defender, averaging a steal and 0.7 blocks per game.

While his shooting percentages were not exceptional, they were not poor for a rookie either. His three-point shooting was particularly encouraging, as he consistently took around 5.2 three-pointers per game. If George wants to be recognized as a "three-and-D" player, improving his long-range shooting will be crucial. That said, his overall performance was impressive for a first-year player.

Notable Achievements

George had several career milestones during his rookie season, including:

• Career high in points (24) against the Phoenix Suns on January 16, 2025
• First career start (against the Atlanta Hawks on October 30, 2025)
• First double-double (against the New York Knicks on March 22, 2025)

These accomplishments highlight his growth and adaptability in the NBA. Additionally, George showed improvement during his time with Team Canada in the AmeriCup, further demonstrating his potential.

Final Thoughts

There is definitely room for improvement in George's game, especially when it comes to efficiency. He needs to elevate his shooting percentages to around 45% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc to become a consistent starter. If he can achieve this, there's no reason he shouldn't take over as a full-time starter in Washington, potentially pushing players like Bilal Coulibaly to the bench after recent injuries.

Overall, George's rookie season was a promising start that suggests he could be one of the steals of the 2024 draft. With continued development, he has the potential to become a key contributor for the Wizards. His skills as a three-level scorer and perimeter defender are already evident, and with more refinement, he could become a cornerstone of the team's future.

Grade: A-