How Anthony Davis Can Help TRANSFORM The Washington Wizards’ Defense | Ben Standig Joins
In this episode of Locked On Wizards, host Ben Strober and Abdullah Ayubi welcome former Locked On Wizards podcast host and D.C. sports writer Ben Standig to break down the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade and what it means for the Washington Wizards. The duo dives deep into how Davis’s arrival impacts the team’s defense and development, discusses fit alongside Alex Sarr, Trae Young, and the young core, and speculates on draft prospects and the tanking race. They also analyze how adding stars changes expectations and environment for the Wizards’ young talent, plus insights into NBA asset management, off-season moves, and how D.C. sports fans are responding to newfound hope for the franchise.
Anthony Davis: Game-Changer for Wizards’ Defense?
00:00:01 — Anthony Davis’s addition is enough to fix Washington’s historically poor defense?
Defensive Upside and Frontcourt Pairings
00:03:59 — Ben Standig examines how Davis and Sarr can protect the rim, their versatility, and whether the team becomes competent defensively.
Trae Young Trade Value and Team Asset Management
00:07:37 — Discussion about buying low on stars, the asset strategy, and how Trey Young and Anthony Davis together reshape the roster without sacrificing young assets.
Offensive Spacing with Davis and Sarr
00:13:40 — The hosts debate if pairing two bigs with limited shooting will limit spacing for pick-and-roll sets with Trey Young.
Impact on Young Core: Competitive Development
00:24:09 — Ben Standig explains why adding veterans like Davis and Young matters for the growth and competitive mindset of the Wizards’ young players.
Draft Prospects and Lottery Hopes
00:28:47 — Ben Standig gives thoughts on the upcoming NBA Draft, potential fits, and how landing a top lottery pick could further change the roster’s trajectory.
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20 Comments
1st
Fix the defense? We need to fix our tanking. 😊
Ima watch !
I think Sarr & Davis will be interchangeable as far as who's playing the 4 & 5 each night. I think it'll be matchup based, game to game.
I think they bought low on AD and view him as an undervalued asset. They can’t really lose….you can get him healthy and trade him for some legit firsts or some young talent this summer or keep him, and make a run. There really isn’t a downside.
Best thing to improve a young cores game is get them more and more confidence? How, by playing in clutch moments and games (playoffs) against top competition. Sarr and Tre will help give our young core opportunities to play in more critical situations
Great episode
Never knew Ben was the Og host
Every vet they've brought in and said "he's an experienced pro and will help teach our young guys" they've just flipped for more assets.
I think with a healthy Trae, a top five pick and the continued progress of the current players they're a playoff team even if AD doesn't play. If they get 60 games from him they're going to kick ass in the playoffs too
t
the question not being asked. Will the Wiz sign the extensions AD and TY want and for how much $$.
They we're traded because the teams that traded them did not to do the extensions.
Ideally in 2 years we see Wizards v Lakers in NBA finals…Anthony Davis and Trae Young facing Luka Doncic (the guy who was coincidentally traded for Young on draft day and later for Davis). Everyone harps on Trae Young's defense. Is Young limited physically defensively or is it just a question of effort? Even John Wall was inconsistent defensively but he had all the physical tools to be a great defender but not the mentality. If the rest of the team is built on defense, might that not wear off on Trae?
I hope Trae and AD can at least practice this year to build a little chemistry. They need some time to adjust to each players style and how they like operate. Young guys will need learn play off ball with Trae since he ball dominant
That is the best 4 n 5 in the NBA when Davis is healthy.
Why isn’t Sarr and Davis ideal?
Im not sure we getting top 6 in East. Pistons, Knicks, celts and cavs will be good. Pacers will be back with haliburton and top pick possibly. We will be fighting with hawks, 76ers, raptors and maybe heat or Orlando as well. Plus hornets have played surprisingly well lately and look to be on up. It be interesting battle from 6 to 10 or 12 in East next year
I doubt Trae or AD will ever play a minute this season
They don't call him street clothes for nothing. He's so lazy
AD played less than half his games as a Mav- 29. A quarter of the time, he was absolute shite: 2pts vs. OKC, not able to muster more than 13pts agains the Lakers and losing every game to Luka. Sure, AD puts up his 20 and 10 a quarter of the time….but wasn't good enough to beat the Pels, your Wizards or the pathetic Grizzlies in the Play-ins.
The worst part about AD? AD HAS THE MOST BRAINLESS DELUSIONAL and TOXIC STANS I'VE EVER SEEN.
If any top 3
Player fall you take him even cam boozer because davis has a history of injury
When you
Build this team you build with davis not in mind you build around trey and sarr davis is just a extra addition