Washington Wizards Loss to the Suns PROVES they NEED Trae Young | Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson SHINE
On today’s episode of Locked On Wizards, hosts Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi break down the Washington Wizards’ third straight loss in the desert against the Phoenix Suns. The pair analyze why this latest blowout highlights the team’s desperate need for Trae Young’s playmaking—diving into offensive struggles, high turnover rates, and the impact of trading away CJ McCollum. The show praises Alex Sarr’s continued growth, especially on defense where he’s leading the league in blocks, and spotlights the impressive progression of rookie Tre Johnson—questioning if he’s an underrated member of this year’s class. The hosts discuss long-term plans for Trae Young, the defensive critiques surrounding his acquisition, and explore what the Wizards’ future could look like with young talents developing alongside a true point guard. Plus: fun stats, franchise three-point records, and reflections on Wizards legends chiming in after the big trade.
Timestamps:
Wizards’ Blowout Loss & the Trae Young Debate (00:00:00)
The hosts react to the Wizards’ crushing loss to the Suns and argue that the game proves the pressing need for a true playmaker like Trae Young.
Offensive Struggles and Turnover Woes (00:01:30)
A deep dive into the Wizards’ offensive collapse since the CJ McCollum trade—including troublesome turnover rates, lack of stabilizing leadership, and usage issues with young players.
Spotlight on Alex Saar’s Growth (00:10:00)
Breakdown of Alex Saar’s standout night, his defensive prowess, and the potential for all-defensive recognition as he continues to improve.
Trey Johnson’s Development: Is He Underrated? (00:21:04)
Insights into Trey Johnson’s recent surge, his efficiency, and whether he’s flying under the radar among NBA rookies.
The Case for Trae Young’s Long-Term Role (00:04:48; 00:08:30; 00:15:30)
Exploration of Trae Young’s fit in Washington, how his skill set elevates teammates, handling defensive concerns, and weighing his long-term value beyond scoring.
Wizards Three-Point History & Fan Nostalgia (00:28:18)
A look back at Wizards’ all-time three-point shooters, franchise records, and shout-outs to DC legends following the Trae Young trade.
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25 Comments
They need to keep tanking; nobody truly needs Trae Young.
Trae will obviously be the best player on this team the moment he steps on the court, but I think he’s always gonna be the best player at least offensively because he’s still a top 10 offensive player in the sport despite what people wanna say, I mean last year he generated the second most points per game in the entire NBA and had a top five offensive on off swing amongst all high minute players. he also had the biggest influence in the entire sport on overall shot quality for his teammates. Starr and Johnson both have big holes in their offensive game that you can’t really develop, which is why I don’t ever believe they’ll be the primary number one option over Trae.
Would we have preferred Ja Morant or Lamello? Or are we good with Ice Trae?
I like how the young guys are getting better but why Tre Johnson don't take more shots?
Locked on Tanking! Tune in for all your Dybantsa news!
It’s Bub/Tre’s first time playing without a Vet guard (CJ & JP). Let’s give them a chance. Truthfully Middleton does not deserve to start. I don’t like Point BC take out Kris out in Bub. This is just bad to see. Might be close to point sochan
Point BC feels like a tank job imo when we have several guards on our team who could’ve filled that spot . Bench Middleton he’s not producing
GM's across the league are getting the hang of rebuilding teams. For the longest time the power teams were the only players, but now you have knicks, pistons, magic, hawks, celtics and thunder building the team with good planning and methods
Really glad I didn't bother following last night's Wiz game. Until Trae starts playing, all one needs is Locked On Wizards 😄
Should be “Need Aj Dybantsa”
Should start Sarr, Bagley, George, Coulibaly, and Young once he's ready. Then Vukcevic, Middleton, Champagnie, Bub, and Tre J off the bench. Maybe trade Khris for a young athletic PF that can rebound, defend, and catch lobs. Then you have a young, deep squad that can run and wear teams out.
Cj made us watchable, just like Poole did last year. We have to play Trae when he can, and even with him we will still tank.
We also need another rebounding big man. Sarr is Not a star defender and needs help.
Yo My Brotherins 💪🏿, Watch the French Connection ole Skool action joint, 60's 70's style Slim 🫡…..Also Alex or Zaccharie now ?????
Our problem is not defense particularly, it’s turnovers. Those lead to easy buckets and easy buckets are morale busters that shift momentum and lead to runs that we sometimes are unable to recover from. Trae will help with lessening turnovers, and controlling the pace of the game, while also maximizing everyone else’s talent by getting them the ball in spots where “they” are most comfortable
If someone has offensive agility, they should also have it defensively. I agree it is a matter of desire and effort.
Locked on Tanking! We're doing just fine. Let Trae rest….matter fact let Sarr collect some DNPs too for "health reasons."
No reason not to play A.J.
They're just one GM away
#TrustTheProcess
Who are realistic free agents we may potentially grab?
Thank god we are out of CJ hell
Also, just depends which version of Trae Young we get. If he’s a ball hog, he can go. If he is a leader and doesn’t stunt development, then by all means, let’s ride the wave!
Patrick Beverly was an great defender how that work other than dru holiday there isn't that many good lead guard defenders
Why are you complaining about how bad they look and play when you are encouraging them to tank? It's a wonder the fans com and see that garbage. Why did they pick up Trae if he is going to sit for 47 games?