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Josh Robbins

@joshrobbins.bsky.social
12K followers 127 following 1.2K posts

Senior Writer for The Athletic. I cover the Washington Wizards and the NBA.

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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 7h
Oct. 19 is the deadline for 2023 first-round picks to reach a rookie-scale contract extension. What factors will influence whether the Washington Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly will reach an agreement? Story in @theathletic.com, free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
Will Bilal Coulibaly and the Wizards reach a rookie-scale contract extension? (Gift Article)
The seventh pick in the 2023 draft, Coulibaly will compete for playing time against the Wizards' many other wings.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 19h
Ten days remain for first-round picks from the 2023 draft class to reach a rookie-scale contract extension before the Oct. 19 deadline. What are the chances that the Washington Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly will reach an agreement? Story in @TheAthleticNBA: www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
nytimes.com
Will Bilal Coulibaly and the Wizards reach a rookie-scale contract extension? (Gift Article)
The seventh pick in the 2023 draft, Coulibaly will compete for playing time against the Wizards' many other wings.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
In New York tonight, Wizards coach Brian Keefe told reporters that Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton will not play tonight. Both are ramping up to game condition, but Sarr is getting close to playing soon. Tristan Vukčević (hip impingement) and Jamir Watkins (ACL recovery) are also out.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Brian Keefe said many of his players will receive minutes in tonight's Wizards preseason opener. That's his preseason-opener track record. In last year's preseason opener under Keefe, 11 Washington players played at least 14:48 apiece. In 2024, 11 Wizards players played at least 13:23 each.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Brian Keefe said it's unclear who won't be available to play Thursday in the preseason opener. "No one will play heavy minutes or anything like that, but expect to see a lot of guys out there tomorrow," Keefe said. Tristan Vukčević (hip impingement) and Jamir Watkins (ACL recovery) will not play.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Khris Middleton was asked just now how AJ Dybantsa has looked. "He's been great," Middleton said. "He plays fast. He's aggressive, which I think we all like. ... I think he picks things up quickly, the terminology. I think he's way ahead of a lot of rookies that I've seen come in."
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Anthony Davis is expected to be integral to the 2026-27 Washington Wizards. But how long will the marriage between the 10-time NBA All-Star and the Wizards last? @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social and I explore in this article, which is free to read, at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...
nytimes.com
How long will Anthony Davis’ partnership with the Washington Wizards last? (Gift Article)
"AD is in a great frame of mind," a Wizards executive said. But that doesn't guarantee that Davis will remain in Washington beyond Feb. 11.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Alex Sarr when asked to describe the best elements of playing alongside Anthony Davis: "Just the length we have defensively, the versatility we've got. Him being able to draw a lot of attention, playing inside-out. We've just got to keep building that chemistry as a team."
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Alex Sarr said he took part in the Wizards' 5-on-5 full contact work in today's practice. It's a big milestone in his ramp-up back from his mid-June foot surgery.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
(2/2) Keefe (cont'd.): "... He's got great communication skills, and then, obviously, his ability to pass just enhances our team, makes us really unselfish. He really gets off the ball and delivers it to guys. It's fun to watch."
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
(1/2) Brian Keefe, when asked to describe Trae Young's contributions so far: "I just love how he talks the game. He talks the game to his teammates. He's always looking to break down situations. ...
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The Wizards' plan for Alex Sarr, who had surgery in mid-June to repair a fractured foot, has been for Sarr to hold off on contact drills during the first week of camp. It looks like Sarr will begin participating in full contact work very soon, perhaps as early as Monday.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Here's Justin Champagnie answering a question about the atmosphere around the team:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Here's a look at some of Tre Johnson's individual shooting routine, and this footage is from after the team's scrimmage:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Here's Will Riley discussing today's Wizards scrimmage and how much more comfortable he feels after his rookie season:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
(2/2) Keefe added that having the NBA refs here "made the whole thing feel like we were playing a real game today. So, I'm really pleased with the day."
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
(1/2) Brian Keefe on this afternoon's scrimmage: "I loved the energy, the competitiveness. We got to see us working on things we've done the first four days of practice and see if we had carryover, which I did (see). But we're still growing and learning."
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I'm told the only players who did not participate in the Wizards' scrimmage today were Alex Sarr (who is set to ramp up to full contact in upcoming days), Tristan Vukčević (hip impingement) and Khris Middleton (ramping up/no injury).
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
NBA referees officiated the Wizards' scrimmage today, coach Brian Keefe said, as part of the league's ongoing training-camp/preseason program to help players become more familiar with how the game will be officiated (i.e., new points of emphasis) during the regular season.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
(2/2) The team attempted to simulate game-night conditions. On my walk from the media entrance to the media workroom, I heard the announcer say over the loudspeakers that Anthony Gill scored on an assist from Tre Mann.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
(1/2) The Wizards held their scrimmage this afternoon on the CareFirst Arena game court, where the Mystics and Go-Go play their home games. The scrimmage was closed to the independent media, but it was interesting that the team is using a public-address announcer.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Some fans, like the Miles family of Arlington, Va., lined up for hours to select the best seats at the Washington Wizards' open practice event Thursday. It's another sign that fan interest is growing in Washington. Story at @theathletic.com, free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...
nytimes.com
Washington Wizards fans lined up for hours to see a team that has them dreaming big again (Gift Article)
“That’s by far the most I’ve ever seen in an open practice,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Loud cheers for AJ Dybantsa when he was introduced at the Wizards' open practice a few seconds ago:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Tickets for the Wizards' open practice late Thursday afternoon/early Thursday evening at Capital One Arena are no longer available, according to the website for fans to RSVP for the free-admission event. Seems like it'll be a large crowd. The event is sold out, per the website.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
What happened during Wizards media day? Anthony Davis addressed his contract status, AJ Dybantsa described going to a team with established veterans, Kyshawn George and Will Riley provided muscle watch updates and much more. Free to read at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...
nytimes.com
What happened at Wizards media day? Davis addresses contract questions, Young talks injuries (Gift Article)
Wizards coach Brian Keefe had praise for No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, while Kyshawn George and Will Riley talk about their summer muscle gain.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The NBA's most interesting team is ... the Washington Wizards?!? Story in @theathletic.com, free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...
nytimes.com
The Washington Wizards, believe it or not, are one of the NBA’s most compelling teams (Gift Article)
The Wizards might be good or they might be bad — but they should definitely be fascinating.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
(2/2) Doors for the event will open at 5:30 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Wizards-branded bucket hat.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
(1/2) The Wizards will host their annual league-mandated open practice on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Capital One Arena, beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free, and the seating is general admission. Fans must RSVP at the link below to receive a ticket. www.gofevo.com/event/2026op...
gofevo.com
2026 Open Practice - General Admission
10/1/26 @ 5:30 PM - 2026 Open Practice - General Admission
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Why did the Wizards trade Cam Whitmore? Story at @theathletic.com, free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
nytimes.com
Why did the Washington Wizards trade Cam Whitmore? (Gift Article)
The selection of AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick and the team's depth at wing made Whitmore expendable.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Here is the Wizards' 2026 preseason schedule:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Which NBA teams have improved most this offseason? @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social has studied all 30 teams' moves in depth, and today, @theathletic.com published David's rankings of the 10 best offseasons. Here's a link to what DA wrote, and it's free to read 🔥: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...
nytimes.com
2026 NBA offseason rankings: Heat, 76ers, Thunder in the top 10 (Gift Article)
Not all of these teams will compete for a title next season, but they all took major strides toward significant improvement.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Today has been cited as a key signpost for Anthony Davis' long-term future with the Wizards. It's the first day when he and the team are permitted to formalize an extension. But that's a bit of a red herring. This story in @theathletic.com explains: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
nytimes.com
Anthony Davis, Wizards will wait until season to have extension talks: Sources
Davis is eligible to sign an extension beginning Aug. 6.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What growth did AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson and Will Riley show during the Wizards' summer-league games? What's left for Dybantsa to work on before the start of training camp? Free-to-read story at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...
nytimes.com
How AJ Dybantsa, Will Riley and Tre Johnson grew during the NBA Summer League
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
(2/2) The Wizards' players played in fewer games and their listed counterparts, but when Johnson, Dybantsa and Riley did play, they piled up the points.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
(1/2) Here are the top five scorers from the 2026 NBA Summer League: Meleek Thomas (CLE) 27.3 ppg. Tre Johnson (WAS) 26.0 ppg. AJ Dybantsa (WAS) 25.0 ppg. Will Riley (WAS) 25.0 ppg. Brayden Burries (MIL) 23.5 ppg. Caleb Wilson (CHI) 23.5 ppg.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
You may not know the name, but if you're a fan of the Commanders, Wizards or New York City FC, you know the voice of public-address announcer Mark Fratto. On Sunday, he'll be the PA announcer for the World Cup final. Story at @theathletic.com (free to read): www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
Meet Mark Fratto, the World Cup final PA announcer: ‘I’m in the candy aisle of life’ (Gift Article)
His audition included pronouncing names of players from all over the world. Now, Fratto will be on the biggest stage yet on Sunday.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The Wizards will play their final 2026 NBA Summer League game Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern, facing the Hawks.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The Washington Wizards have decided to shut down AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson and Will Riley for the team’s final three NBA Summer League games, Wizards summer-league coach T.J. Sorrentine told @TheAthleticNBA. Story here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
AJ Dybantsa’s summer league is over: What we learned about the Wizards’ No. 1 pick (Gift Article)
The Wizards have seen enough from No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa — and second-year players Will Riley and Tre Johnson — in summer league play.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
“We’ve been trying to build a culture for the past two years”: How the Washington Wizards sought to build chemistry, cohesion at their veteran minicamp in Las Vegas. Story free to read in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
'Trying to build a culture': How the Wizards sought cohesion at their veteran minicamp
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
AJ Dybantsa proved in college that he can pile up the points. On Sunday, in his second NBA Summer League game, he showed his potential on defense. Story at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
AJ Dybantsa can score. ‘The sky’s the limit’ for him on defense, too (Gift Article)
The No. 1 pick in the draft scored 23 points Sunday, but his performance on the defensive end highlighted his all-around potential.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
"I’m going to make sure the people that believe in me are proved right," Trae Young said when asked about the outside chatter doubting him, and the outside skepticism about his new four-year deal. Story at @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
nytimes.com
Trae Young keen to prove skeptics wrong, believers right by winning in Washington
Young's recent four-year deal will allow him to mentor the Wizard's early-career players while he's still in his prime.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
On site for Trae Young's press conference about re-signing with the Wizards on a four-year, $212 million contract:
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A good or bad summer-league debut is not the end-all, be-all for an NBA player's entire career. Far from it. But AJ Dybantsa's debut sure was an encouraging start. Story in @theathletic.com, which is free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
nytimes.com
AJ Dybantsa outduels Darryn Peterson in NBA Summer League showdown between top picks
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
AJ Dybantsa has a prominent place on the exterior of UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center, where he will make his NBA Summer League debut tonight (9 p.m. EDT) when his Washington Wizards play the Utah Jazz.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
(4/4) The Jazz should be sharper tonight. Having said all that, a large part of the NBA is about solving problems and overcoming disadvantages. Solving problems and making no excuses is what the best squads do. Tonight will be a great test for Washington's team.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
(3/4) But it is an exhibition. I think it's important not to draw too many immutable conclusions from whatever happens. The Jazz have already played three games in the Salt Lake City Summer League. The Wizards had five days of practice in D.C. before they flew here yesterday. ...
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
(2/4) The Wizards-Jazz exhibition is the marquee matchup of this year's summer league. Yes, I look forward to watching AJ Dybantsa play for the first time in person (and Darryn Peterson, too). ...
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
(1/4) Hello from Vegas, everyone! The NBA Summer League is one of my favorite times of the basketball year. Even as a grizzled scribe who's covered more summer-league matchups than I can count, I can't wait for tonight. ...
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
When the Wizards open their summer-league schedule Thursday, several players will receive reps handling the basketball as a developmental opportunity: (in alphabetical order) AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson and Will Riley.
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Josh Robbins @joshrobbins.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Story by @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social, @johnhollinger.bsky.social and me about Khris Middleton returning to the Washington Wizards in a sign-and-trade deal, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Khris Middleton to rejoin Wizards as part of 6-team trade: Source (Gift Article)
Middleton, a former NBA champion with the Bucks, played with the Wizards from February 2024 to February 2025.
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