Wizards’ Bub Carrington Rediscovered His Groove, Boosting Team Performance Significantly

The Washington Wizards began the season struggling mightily, posting one of the worst early records in NBA history. After 17 games, they managed only two wins, leading many to doubt the potential of their young draft picks. Among the players facing criticism, Bub Carrington was hardest hit as his once-promising rookie confidence appeared to fade. Carrington struggled to find his footing, shifting into a diminished role where he rarely impacted games.

Despite these challenges, Carrington’s talent never disappeared. Known for his shooting, driving, and playmaking, he had shown flashes of exceptional skill in his rookie year. Recent injuries to key backcourt players—Khris Middleton, Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, and Corey Kispert—opened up opportunities for Carrington to reclaim a starting spot. Since returning, his performance has markedly improved, showcasing his creative scoring and enhanced two-way abilities.

Resurgence as a Starter

In the six games since rejoining the starting lineup, Carrington has averaged 17 points and 5.5 assists per game. He has impressed with a field goal percentage near 50% and has connected on nearly 43% of his three-point attempts. While his usage rate of 16.5% remains consistent with his season averages, the key adjustment has been his role as an on-ball handler. This shift has allowed him to orchestrate offensive possessions and create quality looks for himself.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Carrington’s renewed ability to bring the ball up court has allowed teammates like Kyshawn George to focus more on scoring. His improved playmaking benefits other contributors on the team, such as Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, who gain from more effective passing. This development highlights the importance of rhythm and defined roles for Carrington, suggesting that he may not thrive as a "microwave" sixth man given his need for consistent opportunities.

The Wizards’ patience with Carrington during his sophomore slump is beginning to pay off. His bounce-back not only bolsters Washington’s backcourt depth but also signals a promising future for the young guard. The franchise’s faith in their former lottery pick demonstrates a long-term commitment amid early-season adversity.

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