Weekly Wiz

Written by: Eric Meyer

Published: November 25, 2025

This Week’s Results (overall record):

November 19, 2025: Wizards 109, Timberwolves 120 (1-13)

November 21, 2025: Wizards 110, Raptors 140 (1-14)

November 22, 2025: Wizards 120, Bulls 121 (1-15)

So close, and yet... 14 straight losses.

It was a predictably tough start to the Wizards' three game road trip, with Alex Sarr missing the first two games due to a toe injury. However, the big guy returned for Washington's Saturday contest with the Bulls and it looked like the good guys might get a win. They led by 16 at one point but ultimately fell apart, with the game being decided on a terrible turnover and another DC Disappointment. Let's take a look at the wreckage yet again.

Vukcevic's Time is Up

I give you forewarning; I'm going to be spending this entire Wiz on Tristan Vukcevic.

With Sarr's brief absence, the Wizards' front court depth was going to be tested this week. Marvin Bagley was moved into the starting lineup, and Tristan Vukcevic was put back into the rotation after seeing limited minutes for most of the season. The Wizards' former 2nd round pick has struggled to cement himself as a member of this team, but was given plenty of time this week to show something.

It went poorly.

Vukcevic's plus/minus was a -39 in the first two contests of the week and was clearly Washington's worst player in those contests. He had a better day on Saturday when Alex returned to the starting lineup, but the Minnesota and Toronto games were a tough watch. Where did it go wrong?

Let's start with defense.

Vuk was hunted in the post by Julius Randle on several occasions Wednesday night, and for good reason. Randle knew he had the advantage and made a point to exploit it, illustrated clearly on the play below where Vuk gets banished to the shadow realm.

Tristan's struggles weren't limited to his post defense. He was also put into pick n' roll actions by Minnesota's guards, and he failed to provide any resistance on at least a half-dozen PnR sets.

In both of the below clips, Vuk postions himself poorly and shows no foot speed trying to recover. First he hedges on Anthony Edwards but allows him to get an easy path to the basket, leading to a layup and a foul. Then, he fails to stay between Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle on a side PnR, leaving an easy pocket pass that ends in a dunk.

The poor defense continued on Friday, as Vuk was thrust into the starting lineup due to a Bagley hip injury. The results were about as ugly as Toronto's court for the NBA Cup. One particular play stood out, where both Tre Johnson and Vuk shared a single brain cell and forgot that the ball handler can reject the screen. Both players jump to Quickley's right before he commits, so Quick opts to go left and forces help at the nail from Corey Kispert, leading to an easy kick-out and wide open 3 for RJ Barrett. Even our homerific announcers on Monumental Sports couldn't help but laugh.

Vuk was less destructive on offense, but he still wasn't good on that end. He shot 9/25 from the field and was unable to facilitate as a PnR screener. He also showed poor vision on this play, looking off an open Bilal in the corner before clumsily dribbling into a double team and throwing up some nonsense finger roll attempt.

This week was hard evidence that Vukcevic is not an NBA-level big man. I knew the Wizards would miss Sarr, but I never figured Marvin Bagley was that much better of an option than Vuk. The kid just doesn't have the tools for this level, and even the lowly Wizards need to have some standards. It's time to cut bait and move on.

Up Next

It's Zards night! I'll be attending tonight's game against the Hawks and hopefully securing some snazzy pajama pants with my fellow masochists. After that, the Wiz head to Indianapolis for a possibly winnable contest Friday night. They'll get the rest of the weekend off before hosting Milwaukee on Monday.

Before I sign off for the week, I wanted to wish anyone who actually powered through this a Happy Thanksgiving. Tell your family and friends you love them, watch some football, eat some good food, and enjoy the lack of Wizards basketball. As always, I'll be back next Tuesday.