Wizards Forward Corey Kispert Out For Season With Thumb Injury

The Washington Wizards are facing another setback as swingman Corey Kispert has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a recent surgery. The team announced that Kispert underwent a successful procedure on March 18, 2025, to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, an injury he sustained during a game against the Denver Nuggets on March 15. This unfortunate news comes just as the Wizards are relying heavily on their young talents amidst an injury-riddled squad.

The 26-year-old Kispert had been experiencing an inconsistent season, averaging 11.6 points per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range in 26.3 minutes on the floor. Fans had hoped for a breakout year after his career-high averages of 13.4 points last season, marked by impressive shooting stats of 48.6 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc, but these hopes seem dashed now due to injuries. The Wizards' first round draft pick in 2021 is known for his versatility and ability to create spacing on the floor.

As a young core member of the Wizards, Kispert’s contributions have been considered essential, especially as he signed a four-year, $54 million extension in October 2024 that keeps him under contract through the 2028-29 season. The extension included a player option for the last year, ensuring the Wizards retain his services for the foreseeable future, despite the unexpected hurdles of injury.

In a team statement on the injury, the Wizards expressed their hopes for Kispert’s recovery, stating, “Kispert is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next season.” This optimistic outlook casts a shadow over Kispert's disappointing season, where he played just 61 games, marking his career-low after participating in at least 74 games during each of his first three seasons. Despite the decreased playing time, Kispert held the lead in minutes among all bench players, which shows his importance even in a reduced role.

With Kispert sidelined, alongside Bilal Coulibaly, who is also out due to injury, the Wizards will now look towards their rookie class to step up. This includes players like Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and AJ Johnson, who are being called upon to support the team in light of these challenges. Furthermore, veteran players such as Malcolm Brogdon and Saddiq Bey are also nursing injuries, making the task even more daunting for the Wizards.

Kispert’s ability to space the floor is seen as vital to the team’s future aspirations. His transition from a starting role to coming off the bench this season represents a shift in team dynamics under the new administration which emphasizes player development. Kispert had started 103 games over his first three seasons but did not start any games this season, a major change in a young athlete's career. Nonetheless, he still managed to show glimpses of his talent when he scored a season-high 25 points against the Charlotte Hornets on February 3, showcasing his potential to lead when necessary.

This injury update raises questions about the Wizards' forward momentum as the team it transitions towards a roster centered on youth and potential. While Kispert's absence will be felt, his commitment, as demonstrated with the recent contract extension, indicates that he remains a pivotal piece of the franchise's future plans. With a full recovery anticipated, fans are looking forward to seeing whether he can return to form next season and help the Wizards regain competitiveness in the league.

Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that Kispert can shake off this unfortunate setback. As the Wizards continue to carve their path into the next season, building around their younger assets, the emphasis will be on developing talent while providing necessary experience and game time to emerging players. Kispert’s absence may expose vulnerabilities within the team's structure, but it also offers opportunities for younger players to prove their worth and secure their spots in the lineup moving forward.

As the Wizards navigate their way through the rest of the 2024-25 season, every game will be a lesson for the players stepping into larger roles, and Kispert’s eventual return will undoubtedly be awaited with excitement as the Wizards look to the horizon, poised to improve their positioning in the league.