WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards are navigating a cautious path with their two high-profile offseason acquisitions, Trae Young and Anthony Davis, as both continue to rehabilitate injuries. While Young appears to be progressing toward his debut, Davis remains further from returning to the court, the team announced Thursday.
The Wizards acquired Young in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in January and Davis from the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month, bolstering their roster with a combined 14 All-Star selections. However, both players arrived in Washington already sidelined with injuries, presenting a challenge for head coach Brian Keefe and the team’s medical staff.
Young, 27, last saw action on , suffering an MCL sprain and a thigh bruise. The team indicated he is now “ramping up” basketball activities, a positive sign for his recovery. He will be reevaluated next week to assess his progress and determine the next steps in his return-to-play protocol. Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins previously reported that Young had already begun practicing in limited settings, including one-on-none and two-on-two drills, suggesting he is responding well to treatment.
Davis, 32, is on a more extended timeline. His last game was on , and he has been dealing with ligament damage in his left hand. Following initial treatment in Dallas, Davis consulted with hand specialist Steven Shin at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles before joining the Wizards. He will undergo another evaluation in two weeks to determine his readiness to begin on-court basketball activities.
The Wizards are prioritizing a methodical approach to both players’ recoveries, emphasizing patience and adherence to the medical guidance. “You just follow the process,” coach Keefe stated, underscoring the team’s commitment to ensuring both Young and Davis return to full health before rejoining the lineup. This cautious approach reflects the Wizards’ desire to avoid re-injury and maximize the long-term impact of their new stars.
The timing of their returns is crucial for the Wizards, who are looking to build momentum in the second half of the season. Adding two players of their caliber could significantly alter the competitive landscape in the Eastern Conference. Young’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability, combined with Davis’s versatility and inside presence, have the potential to transform the Wizards into a formidable opponent.
Young has played in just 10 games this season, averaging 19.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game with the Hawks. His absence has been felt in Atlanta, where the team has found success through the emergence of players like Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Davis, in 20 appearances for the Mavericks this season, averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, showcasing his continued ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
The Wizards’ acquisition of Young and Davis represents a significant investment in the future of the franchise. However, their success will depend on the players’ ability to regain their form and integrate seamlessly into the team’s system. The coming weeks will be critical as both players continue their rehabilitation and work toward returning to the court. The team will continue to provide updates on their progress as they move closer to their respective debuts.
For now, the Wizards are focused on following the prescribed process, allowing Young and Davis the time they need to heal and prepare for their return. The team’s medical staff will continue to monitor their progress closely, ensuring they are fully cleared for activity before rejoining their teammates. The Wizards’ fans will undoubtedly be eager to see both stars in action, but the team is prioritizing their long-term health and success.
