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Washington, D.C. –&nbsp;The NBA announced today that the Washington Wizards received the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft during today’s Draft Lottery in Chicago.&nbsp; The Wizards were represented onstage by guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly.

The Wizards, who had a 13.41% chance of getting the second overall pick, were originally slotted to pick second overall prior to the unveiling of the draft order.&nbsp;

The 2024 NBA Draft will be held on Wednesday, June 26 (First Round) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Thursday, June 27 (Second Round) at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York.

Fans are invited to watch the 2024 NBA Draft unfold live at Capital One Arena during the Washington Wizards 2024 NBA Draft Party, presented by Robinhood on Wednesday, June 26. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the draft broadcast starting at 8 p.m. ET.&nbsp; All fans wishing to attend must claim a free ticket and can learn more at washingtonwizards.com/draftparty.

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Wizards land second overall pick in 2024 NBA Draft

wasatemperly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards have joined together with global digital sports platform Fanatics and Hennessy to host the Marcus Graham Project (MGP)’s iCR8 workshop from Monday, June 24, to Thursday, June 27, at Capital One Arena. This marks the third year the Wizards have hosted MGP’s iCR8 workshop.  

“Fanatics is defined by its employees and unwavering commitment to inclusion to build a best-in-class organization and culture that reflects the global communities we serve,” said Grace Farraj, Executive Director of Fanatics Foundation™ and Vice President of Fanatics Philanthropy. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with the Washington Wizards, Hennessy, and the Marcus Graham Project to increase awareness of, and access to, career opportunities across the sports industry.” 

The four-day workshop will give 25 young professionals from the Washington, D.C., area the ability to gain experience, insight, and understanding in the sport, fashion, and spirit industry. Members from the Wizards’ game presentation, fan engagement, and global partnerships departments as well as representatives from Fanatics and Hennessy will participate in panels and group discussions throughout the week to provide first-hand expertise and knowledge.  

“In today's growing sports industry, it is important that our strategic partnerships cater to the need for diverse, creative, unconventional talent in traditional spaces,” said Larry Yarrell, Marcus Graham Project Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer. “Our partnership with the Wizards is proof that this type of collaborative effort works, as we continue to fill meaningful roles at the organization with MGP talent." 

The Marcus Graham Project is a non-profit organization that holds a variety of programs and workshop to train, mentor, and provide the experience needed to the next generation by connecting and collaborating with individuals from all backgrounds in the fields of marketing and media.  

Ninety-six (96) percent of MGP alumni have received job offers within the first six months of completing the program. MGP alumni include  June 2021 MGP Workshop MVP and Wizards freelance content creator and editor Rashad Simpson.  

To learn more about the Marcus Graham Project and the work they are doing, click here.&nbsp;

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Washington Wizards, Fanatics, and Hennessy Partner to host Marcus Graham Workshop

Washington, D.C. –&nbsp;The Washington Wizards announced today that they have signed guard Jared Butler to a multi-year NBA contract. In a related move, the team waived forward Isaiah Livers.

In 35 games with Washington this season, Butler is averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting a career-best .490 from the field. Over his last 10 games with the Wizards, he is averaging 9.2 points and 5.2 assists per game and tallied a season-high 17 points on 7-10 shooting in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 2. The Baylor product also played in 16 games for the Capital City Go-Go (the Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate) this season, averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.

Butler holds career averages of 4.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 83 career games over three seasons with Utah, Oklahoma City, and Washington. He originally signed his two-way contract with Washington on July 28, 2023.

Livers was acquired via trade from Detroit on January 14 along with Marvin Bagley III. He was ruled out for the remainder of the season with joint capsule inflammation in his right hip on February 26.

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Wizards sign Butler to multi-year contract

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards will celebrate and show their appreciation to their loyal and dedicated fanbase on Fan Appreciation Night presented by Michelob ULTRA on Friday, April 12, at 7:00 p.m. when the Chicago Bulls come to Capital One Arena.&nbsp;   &nbsp;

All fans in attendance will take home a Wizards Boundary Stones City Edition t-shirt. Prior to the start of the game, forward Kyle Kuzma will address the crowd. In addition, the team will present the 2023-24 Dr. E.B. Henderson Award in a pregame ceremony. The team award, introduced during the 2021-22 season, recognizes a Wizards player for their work in the community.  

Throughout the game, fans will have the chance to take home a variety of prizes and giveaways and those in attendance will be entertained with a halftime performance that includes the Wizards Dancers, Wizdom, Wiz Kids, and 202 Crew Dunkers.&nbsp;

To continue their appreciation to fans, the team will offer a variety of specials and discounts. Fans can enjoy a $3 gameday special on select food items at concession stands. Items include hot dogs, a small popcorn, pretzels, and a 16-ounce soda (concession offer is valid where items are sold; one item per person, per transaction, while supplies last). In addition, all regularly priced Wizards merchandise items will be 40% off for that night (offer valid at The Team Store and other Capital One Arena retail locations only). &nbsp;

Fans wishing to attend Fan Appreciation Night can purchase tickets at https://www.nba.com/wizards/tickets-2. &nbsp;

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Wizards Celebrate Fan Appreciation Night April 12

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly will miss the remainder of the regular season after being diagnosed with a right wrist fracture.  The injury, which will be treated conservatively, was suffered when Coulibaly fell during the team’s game on March 16 at Chicago.

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Wizards Injury Update

WASHINGTON, D.C. –&nbsp;The Washington Wizards announced today that they have signed forward/center Tristan Vukcevic to a multi-year deal.&nbsp;

The Wizards selected Vukcevic (7-0, 225 lbs.) with the 42nd&nbsp;overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft.&nbsp; He has spent this season with KK Partizan Belgrade of the Adriatic League (Liga ABA), averaging 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in 30 games while shooting .540 from the field and .432 from three-point range. The 21-year-old played with Washington in the 2023 NBA Summer League, averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in four games.&nbsp;

Vukcevic (pronounced VOOK-cheh-vitch) has previously played overseas for Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB (2020-21) and KK Partizan Belgrade (2022-24). In 2022-23 with KK Partizan Belgrade, he averaged 8.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game in 22 Adriatic League games.

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Wizards Sign Vukcevic

Luke Askew

After a three-game road trip, the Washington Wizards (9-52) are back in D.C. and are ready to host the Orlando Magic (36-26). Here's everything you need to know.

WHERE: Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)WHEN: 7:00 p.m. ETTV: Monumental Sports NetworkRADIO: Team 980 & The Wizards App

WIZARDS:Marvin Bagley III (lower back spasm -- out)Isaiah Livers (right hip joint capsule inflammation -- out)

MAGIC:Gary Harris (right calf; injury maintenance -- questionable)Jonathan Isaac (left knee; injury maintenance -- questionable)

The Magic have taken a big step forward in the 2023-24 season. After finishing last season with a 34-48 record, the Magic have already secured more wins this season, currently sitting at 36-26. That record puts them in fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

The main reason behind their success this season has been the impressive growth of their two best players: Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.

Wagner is averaging an impressive 20.3 points per game on 48% shooting from the field to go along with 5.6 rebounds and four assists per game. Even better, Banchero is on the heels of his first All-Star appearance, averaging 22.9 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the field to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

Both Wagner and Banchero stand at 6'10" tall, but they have guard skills. Their ability to break down opposing defenses off the dribble and create good scoring opportunities out of thin air makes them nightmares to guard. They're at the top of Orlando's scouting report, and slowing them down is crucial in the effort to come away with a victory.

Since joining the Wizards, Marvin Bagley III has been a rebounding machine. He's been the primary center and has anchored the glass on both ends of the court. With Bagley sidelined on Wednesday due to injury, team rebounding will be pivotal for the Wizards.

Thankfully, the Magic aren't one of the elite rebounding teams in the league. They're 20th in rebounds per game at 42.9.

Keep an eye on backup bigs Richaun Holmes and Eugene Omoruyi as they attempt to anchor the defense and clean the glass, but also watch how all five Wizards on the court make rebounding a team effort. Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, and Bilal Coulibaly will all be needed.

On Monday night in Utah, Jordan Poole went nuts. He connected on his first eight field goal attempts (including five threes) and finished the game with 32 points in 29 minutes off the bench. That game capped a five-game stretch of Poole's best basketball as a Wizard.

Over his last five games, Poole has averaged 25 points on absurdly efficient .485/.426/.917 shooting splits to go along with 4.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds. He's shooting the ball with confidence, attacking the rim, blowing by defenders, and playing with moxie.

Watch Poole as soon as he checks into Wednesday's game. He's been lighting it up lately.

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Preview: Wizards host Magic on Wednesday night in D.C.

On Monday night, the Washington Wizards (9-51) will finish their three-game West Coast road trip in Salt Lake City when they take on the Utah Jazz (27-34). Here's everything you need to know.

WHERE: Delta Center (Salt Lake City, UT)WHEN: 9:00 p.m. ETTV: Monumental Sports NetworkRADIO: Team 980 & The Wizards App

WIZARDS:Isaiah Livers (right hip joint capsule inflammation -- out)

JAZZ:Walker Kessler (right foot sprain -- out)Lauri Markkanen (right quadriceps contusion -- out)

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George has been one of the league's standout rookies this season. He's averaging over 12 points and nearly five assists in 27 minutes per game. He's shaping up to be one of the early steals from the 2023 NBA Draft.

While George has shown flashes all season long, he's been even better as of late. In the Jazz' last six games, George is putting up stellar averages of 20 points on .434/.436/.833 shooting splits to go along with six assists and 2.7 rebounds. On Monday, his role will be even bigger with Jazz star Lauri Markkanen sidelined due to injury.

Wizards wings Deni Avdija and Bilal Coulibaly will likely shoulder most of the defensive responsibilities on George. Their length and athleticism will be a unique counter to George's quickness and skill. Plus, any time two of the top rookies face off against one another, it's always a fun time. Keep a special eye on the Coulibaly-George matchup.

This season, the Jazz have struggled to protect the rock. They have the league's worst turnover rate (15.5%). They lead the league in turnovers per game (15.8). And they allow the second-most points off turnovers per game (19.3). This is great news for the Wizards as forcing turnovers and getting out in transition is one of their biggest strengths.

Washington is at their best when they're able to turn defense into offense. They're tied for the third-most points off turnovers per game (17.9) and are second in fast break points (18.1). If the Wizards can jump passing lanes and disrupt ball-handlers with pressure, they'll be in a good position to come away with a win.

Another facet of the game the Wizards can aim to control is the paint battle. The Jazz struggle with paint defense. They're in the bottom third of the league in paint points allowed per game (52.2). Thankfully, this is an area the Wizards excel in. They're third in the NBA in paint points, averaging 55.5 per game.

This is where Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, and Jordan Poole can aim to take over.

Avdija, Kuzma, and Poole are all at their best when they put the ball on the deck and get downhill. Whether it's Avdija and Kuzma using their strength and length or Poole using his quickness and handle, those three guys are a nightmare for opponents who struggle with paint defense.