Middleton: Wizards 'could definitely be a playoff team'

Khris Middleton believes the playoffs are within reach for the Washington Wizards.

"I think this team could definitely be a playoff team," Middleton said, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "I think we had a stretch recently where we were competing against some of the playoff teams in some games, where we won some games and lost some others.

"I think if you give us a full offseason and give us a full season together, with the improvement of the young core, which is going to be huge, I think they can take a big step because of the way they work, how talented they are, and how smart they are."

The Wizards have the worst record in the league at 16-58. But they've been slightly better since the All-Star break, going 7-12 while owning the league's 18th-best defense, according to NBA.com.

Middleton, who joined the team via trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, is giving the younger players advice and is impressed with what he's seen from his new teammates so far.

"I've learned how skillful they are for their age," Middleton said. "These are first and second-year players with confidence. They have all the intangibles, like how quickly they pick up on things. The results haven’t shown, but I think they play at a high level."

The Wizards selected Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George in the first round of last year's draft and acquired Bilal Coulibaly in the 2023 draft.

Washington, along with the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets, will have a 52.1% to land a top-four pick in the draft lottery.

The Wizards take on the Nets on Saturday.