THE 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place later this month, with the next crop of potential superstars set to join the world’s most prestigious basketball league.

With plenty of hype around the talent in the 2023 draft class, thanks to a French phenom locked in as the number-one pick and lots of depth later down the order, June 23 (AEST) will change the future of the league in a big way.

Rookie Me Central will be continuing the NBA Draft Team Preview series, taking a look at each participating side’s draft hand and some potential options at each selection. The final side on the agenda are the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards have been unable to reach the postseason for a few years now, with their list in the midst of a bit of a rebuild as it looks to acquire some young guns for the future.

Assisting this process will be the draft later this month, with the Wizards taking a top 10 pick into proceedings and looking to add even more young guns to their list.

Washington Wizards

Draft selections

8, 42, 57

Contracted players

Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis (player option), Kyle Kuzma (player option), Monte Morris, Delon Wright, Deni Avdija, Johnny Davis, Corey Kispert, Daniel Gafford, Anthony Gill, Isaiah Todd, Jordan Goodwin, Quenton Jackson (two-way contract), Xavier Cooks

The Wizards again have the opportunity to build their youth stocks with a trio of selections in the upcoming NBA Draft.

With its first selection and seventh overall, Washington will likely look to add a playmaker, given this appears to be an area of concern.

One option that may suit is Anthony Black, who would slot in nicely next to Beal in the backcourt. His size allows him to play either guard position which would be a nice bonus in changing lineups, while his defensive work and play-initiating abilities with ball in hand. At six-foot-six, he is the prototype of the future guard and could add plenty to the Wizards if selected.

Another potential option for the Wizards could be Ausar Thompson, who is more of a wing but has shown a lot of potential for the Overtime Elite side in the past 12 months. He is an impressive playmaker, which would suit the likes of Beal, Kuzma and Porzingis, while his defensive versatility and constantly improving jumpshot would also tempt Washington.

With their second pick at 42, the Wizards would likely target a long-term prospect, and fitting this bill is Julian Phillips. Having caught the eye as the best leaper at the NBA combine, Phillips has shown glimpses of scoring, but consistency is the key moving forward. If the Wizards are willing to put the time in and develop him, he could become a key contributor in the future.

The Wizards will have plenty of attention with their picks, particularly their first which could see the team add a centerpiece for the future.