標籤: development

chelsea Appeared close to signing Mike Maignan last summer. A move failed in the advanced stages but it may be back on track.

The goalkeeper appeared to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge in 2025. That’s when Milan appointed Max Allegri as their manager and brought in goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi.

This convinced the Frenchman to reject Chelsea and take up a leadership role at the Rossoneri. sports witness This was widely covered, as the London club had agreed personal terms with the player.

Their season was full of ups and downs and ended with the huge disappointment of finishing fifth in Serie A.

This led to Allegri’s exit and now, things could change for Maignan.

Filippi and Allegri are gone

sports newspaper Note that Maignan stayed in Milan because of Allegri. That’s why he signed the renewal, with his contract now expiring in the summer of 2031.

Now, Allegri and Filippi are both gone. This could ensure that Magnan also actively wants out, even if he has a long-term deal at San Siro.

To make it worse, Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League will attract contenders. Chelsea ‘could knock again’ and they are interested in his signature.

corriere dello sport Go down the same path.

He thinks Maignan may now have ambitions of playing in the Champions League. This could lead to him actively seeking a transfer, with Filippi’s exit seen as particularly troublesome for the Frenchman.

The blues have the right to move on

Chelsea are in desperate need of a more reliable keeper than Robert Sanchez. Even though Magnan is now 30, he would be an upgrade.

This shows that he is clearly someone who has been well researched at Stamford Bridge. They have probably assessed all his strengths and weaknesses, which have remained consistent in recent seasons.

That’s why any move should be actively pursued, especially if Magnan pushes for a transfer.

ipswich town Signed Ivan Ezon on loan from Como last summer. Since then, the deal has been successful and excitement around the Spaniard is growing.

The forward played a key role in the promotion, scoring five times and providing four assists. Furthermore, his fame has only increased in 2026, as the Spaniard has three goals and four assists this year.

That seems to have caught the attention of Como, who is set to play in Europe next season.

today’s gazzetta dello sport Given Ezon’s impression in Italy, Cesc Fabregas is keen to bring him back to the club.

happiness on development

The newspaper believes that the signing of Alvaro Morata will halt Azzon’s development at Como. Fabregas was against the idea, although his decision to loan him out to Ipswich Town has now been rewarded.

Delighted at how the striker has developed in England. Como, in particular, have kept a close eye on him throughout, paying €2m to sign him in the winter of 2025.

So Fabregas is now ready to welcome him ‘with open arms’. Morata is expected to depart in the summer and as a result, Ezon will act as an effective replacement.

The Spaniard’s versatility is seen as a major advantage, as he can also play in wide areas. The fact that Azon can impose himself in England is taken as a big sign that he can cut it in Italy and add depth when Como plays in Europe next season.

ipswich spell key for azon

The loan to England came at the right time for the 23-year-old. At the beginning of his tenure at Como, he was facing fitness problems which held him back and he desperately needed to prove himself. Thus, the move to Ipswich came at a crucial moment.

At Ipswich Town, Azon’s range of strengths shone through. Despite being tall, he has technical abilities that help him link up with fellow attacking players. Furthermore, he has very reliable finishing ability which is evident in every performance he has made this season.

Fabregas’ system relies on positional interchanges on the pitch.

celtic If they want to sign Issa Doumbia from Venezia, they may need to move quickly, with Portuguese competition close behind.

calciomercato.it Doumbia is set to leave the Italian club this summer, the report says. At present, his future seems likely to be in Portugal only.

Portuguese efforts

They explain that after a remarkable season that saw him play a key role in Venezia’s promotion from Serie B, several major European clubs are now eyeing the 23-year-old.

In particular, two of Portugal’s top three clubs, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Benfica, want him. According to CM.it, Sporting has stepped up its efforts to secure a deal in recent days.

However, the deal is not yet complete, as Rui Costa and his colleagues at Benfica have also made ‘important progress’. There is a real Lisbon derby going on for the midfielder’s signature. New and important developments are expected at some points throughout this week.

This should probably be a warning sign for Celtic. The Scottish giants have been credited with interest over the months.

celtic need to move

Sport Witness also covered a report detailing how their interest is justified. Doumbia is undoubtedly a star on the rise and the growing interest in him is testament to that.

The fact that the Portuguese pair are both also Champions League clubs is further testament to this fact. Both are now pushing for a deal, also indicating they want to get in on it before competition gets too fierce.

Celtic may be busy focusing on their title challenge, which is certain to go all the way, but this may also be something they need to focus on. Failure to move quickly now could see them miss out on potential summer signings.

Sporting Clube de Portugal and Benfica are certainly working to make sure they win the race behind the scenes.

Manchester City Defender Vitor Reis has made it clear he wants to return to the Etihad after using his Verona loan to become a regular at the senior level.

The 20-year-old centre-back has become a pillar in LaLiga this season, and his recent Brazil call-up only adds to the feeling that his development is accelerating.

The Brazilian has made 27 league appearances, starting in 26 starts. This consistency reflects his importance at Verona, where he has established himself as a reliable presence in defense as he adapts to European football. he is already in spain Viewed as an “elite” prospect.

In an extensive interview with the Brazilian outlet globo esporteVitor Reis opens up about his journey so far, from his early days at Manchester City to his current position in Spain and his ambitions for the future.

“I intend to return to Manchester City”

Vitor Reis did not hide his long-term goals when discussing his future.

“My intention, my desire is to return to Manchester City, play and get a place. But, as I always say, I will focus on the day-to-day at this end of the season, so that when the time comes for negotiations, we can sit down calmly with a clear mind.” He said.

that attitude Fits with Manchester City’s plans. The club sent him to Verona to gain minutes and the move worked as intended. The defender himself admitted that the decision initially surprised him.

“When I found out they were thinking about loaning me out, I was a little shocked, because it wasn’t something that came to my mind. But when I understood it better and talked to a lot of people, I realized it would be good for me, especially for minutes, to play more games. At my age, I need to play.”

he adds: “So I think coming here was a very important decision, 100% right. Here in Verona I am very happy. The people are incredible, and I believe it was a very good choice.”

Reality check at Manchester City

Vitor Reus also reflected on his first experiences after joining Manchester City from Palmeiras in a deal worth around £32m (€40m).

“The city was also a very beautiful story of my life. When I arrived there, it was a kind of reality check, like what happened with the national team. You arrive and see the players around you. I remember seeing my name next to people like Rodri, Bernardo Silva… and that made me very happy.”

He highlighted the environment and demands of the club.

“This is a club that always tries to get the most out of the players, and that helped me a lot. I learned a lot of things with Pep, who is a real guy in terms of mentality and understanding of the game.”

There has been an ongoing link up with Manchester City during his loan spell.

“I keep in touch with the city director [Hugo Viana]. I talk a lot with Citigroup employees, they are often here in Verona too. For me that contact with them, that care is very important, and I am very glad that they are close, always trying to see and understand everything that is happening here.

learning from guardiola

The Brazilian describes his early conversations with Pep Guardiola and how he shaped his development. It’s worth remembering The Spaniard himself reassured Vitor Reis To join Manchester City.

“When you arrive there and see Pep Guardiola, you feel that fear, that different sensation. But the first day, when I was presented at the training center, I already had contact with him. We were there with my family, my agent… and when he arrived, everyone was very happy, even more than me.”

he adds: “After that, I went to his office, we talked quickly, and that already made me feel more comfortable, more welcomed.”

The learning process continued on the pitch.

“That first contact was very important. Then, day-to-day, in training, he talked to me too and I learned a lot from him, especially how to understand the game, how to make things easier on the pitch.”

“He is a very intelligent person. If you do what he says, your game is better. And besides, he has a hunger to win which is unreal. Even after winning everything, he is still on the touchline with the same intensity, wanting to win, guiding everyone. It is a big difference.”

“Working with him was a dream, and, God willing, I hope I can come back and experience it again.”

Brazil call-up and 3am surprise

His recent Brazil call-up came in unexpected fashion, As we recently coveredFurther underlining how quickly his profile is rising. This time he has shared that story in his own words.

“It was early in the morning, around 1:30 or 2 am. I was sleeping with my wife, and they tried to call me. Because my phone is on night mode, they started calling my wife’s phone.”

“We heard a noise, woke up, I saw it was my agent calling, picked up the phone and answered. He said: ‘Are you ready? We’re going to the national team.’ At that moment, I couldn’t believe it. I said: ‘Which national team?’ You are lying, you are kidding me…”

“But as soon as I woke up properly, I realized it was true. Then it was just happiness.”

He admitted that time has made it even more surprising.

“It was definitely a surprise, especially because of the moment when it happened. The call-up had already been announced after the match, and I didn’t expect it anymore.”

“And also because it’s the Brazilian national team. It’s always been a dream to be there. To be called up, to be with players you’ve always dreamed of playing with, is very gratifying.”

Facing the elite and moving forward faster

Vitor Reis also pointed to key moments in Spain that have accelerated his development, including facing Real Madrid’s attack.

“It is not easy to deal with Vinicius Junior, Mbappé and Bellingham in attack. This is a game that requires maximum concentration. Our team was very competitive, and I am very happy with everyone’s attitude and the positive result.”

“We knew the size of the challenge and prepared a lot for that game. Getting a positive result against Real Madrid gives confidence and shows we are on the right track.”

he also had “Royal” demonstration against Barcelona In this weather. The defender also stressed his mentality when discussing bigger ambitions, including the World Cup.

“I’m very calm. I always say I’m trying to do what I can control, which is day-to-day, matches, everything within my reach. The future belongs to God.”

“If it has to happen now, that’s how it will happen. I’ll keep working and stay focused. It’s about doing what I can control and leaving the decisions to the people who have to make them.”

he adds: “Sometimes it seems impossible, okay? You look and see that it is very difficult. But the call-up also seemed difficult and I got called up. It shows that you can’t stop dreaming.”

“My dream is to play in the World Cup, which is the biggest competition there for me. It’s the biggest dream of my life, as I believe it is for all players.”

“I also dream of winning the Champions League, which is the biggest club competition in the world. These are my dreams.”

What’s next for Vitor Reis?

Vitor Reis’s trajectory is now clearly felt In line with Manchester City’s long-term plan. He gained the necessary minutes, established himself as a starter and began to attract international attention.

With hopes of a return to the Etihad following his loan spell, the defender is preparing himself to compete for a place. His performances in Spain, coupled with his mentality and ambition, suggest that Manchester City will soon have a more complete player back in their squad.

There is still a possibility of Jhon Lukumi being eliminated Sunderland But competition for the defender is being encouraged.

The Black Cats were relentlessly pursuing the defender’s signature in the summer. Right after his release condition expired, sports witness The proposal to sign it was rejected.

His agent had also announced his intention to exit, but Bologna remained firm. Despite Lukumi performing well this season, the player has not responded to attempts to renew his contract.

As a result, the Colombian is expected to move in the summer and will be one of the most sought-after players at that time.

Sunderland’s task is becoming more difficult Il Resto del Carlino Watching closely.

Bologna awaits World Cup transfer boost

Bologna are now certain about selling Lucmi.

They know his value is falling as his contract expires in 2027 and a sale is due to take place this summer.

If Lukumi performs well in the World Cup, they will be able to receive a higher fee from his sale.

Sunderland remain interested but Barcelona have now been mentioned. They see the 28-year-old as an alternative to Alessandro Bastoni, who is expected to command a big price in the summer.

Lucumi has attracted the attention of the Catalans, especially because his agent is at work on finding a new destination.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have also joined the chase and view the Bologna man as a replacement for Marcos Senesi. Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are also interested, with both clubs described as ‘very rich’ contenders in the race.

Sunderland’s time may be up

Due to the way Bologna are operating, Sunderland will run out of time to sign Lucumi.

If the centre-back makes an impact at the World Cup, he will attract global attention and his agent and even the Rossoblu would love nothing more than that.

Furthermore, Lucumi is able to play for a major club due to his obvious European experience. That’s why it’s no surprise Barcelona’s interest, which could certainly increase.

The Spanish side are not financially prosperous but their interest is a sign that Sunderland’s task could become more difficult.

The Italian club will also be keeping a close eye on the defender, who could potentially add further hurdles for Regis Le Bris.

There were some ups and downs in Cesare Casadei’s life. chelsea He has now been criticized for his behavior towards Italians.

The midfielder joined the Blues in 2022 and had successive loan spells at Leicester City and Reading.

Despite playing under Enzo Maresca at Leicester, he did not fare well under the Italian for the Blues.

This led to his departure from Chelsea in January 2025, as he joined Torino on a permanent deal. Things have been better for him in Serie A and he has scored four goals this season.

sports witness Casadei could be in line to return to England, with interest from West Ham and Everton.

However, there is still an Italian perception that he moved to England – and especially Chelsea – too early.

D’Aversa targets Chelsea

Torino manager Roberto D’Aversa spoke to Sky Italia about the midfielder, who played against Pisa on Sunday.

The Italian pointed out that Casadei is still inconsistent and his Chelsea spell is one reason.

He said- Via fcinter1908: : “Cesare Casadei is a strong midfielder, he can get all the headers, but he is also someone who knows how to play football.

“He needs to find continuity first of all. He paid for an important move, to Chelsea, where he did not play, and he missed playing in a team where you can grow.”

D’Aversa used this argument to say that Italian football should be able to retain youth. Failure to do so hinders their development.

“Until the culture changes, coaches who develop young players won’t be highlighted, but coaches who win will be questioned if they don’t. Young players need time.

“They should be allowed to grow and make mistakes.

“I was lucky enough to train Kulusevski, who was coming out of Atalanta Primavera, and I was lucky enough to train Bastoni.

“They are young but they are strong. But if we don’t change the culture in Italy, it is difficult to muster the courage to let young players play.”

Chelsea isn’t the only problem

It’s fair to say that the Blues probably never had any concrete plans for Casadei.

was signed for €15m but never burst onto the scene despite impressing at the U20s World Cup in 2023.

At the same time, Italian football has its own problems. That’s why Casadei saw Stamford Bridge as a good idea for his development.

Serie A clubs generally do not have a reliable youth setup. Due to the financial situation of the game in Italy, they are more than happy to sell those players for capital gains.

That’s what Inter Milan did to Casadei, hindering his development.

That’s why D’Aversa is probably right in his judgment that the problem in this case goes beyond Chelsea.

Manchester United separation seemed certain With Casemiro at the end of the season. However, the picture has changed in recent weeks.

The midfielder has returned to a high level and has started to impress in big matches again. He has performed decisively and brought stability back to the team.

That race has highlighted what he still has to offer. Casemiro provides leadership, organization and control in midfield. He understands the game well and plays defense well. Additionally, his experience helps the younger players around him. As a result, his role within the team has increased again.

This improvement did not go unnoticed. Just a few weeks ago his departure seemed almost certain. Now, Manchester United is re-evaluating that situation. The Brazilian has reminded the club why he was signed in the first place.

Manchester United reconsidering exit as renewal talks unfold

According to a Brazilian outlet report RTI gameUnited have resumed internal discussions regarding Casemiro’s future.

The club now sees him as a useful and reliable option again. This leaves room for talks over a potential renewal, even though their current deal runs until June 2026.

Still, any agreement will depend on finances. Casemiro earns around £350,000 per week, one of the highest salaries in the team.

Manchester United wants to reduce The figure comes as part of a broader salary adjustment. Therefore the conversation will not be straightforward.

Brazil’s plans foiled by Casemiro’s rejection of return

At the same time, interest from Brazil has not stopped. his former club Sao Paulo contacted One more time to explore a possible move after the 2026 World Cup.

This time, the club’s football coordinator – ex-Bayern Munich right-back Rafinha – approached Casemiro’s representatives to hammer out the terms of a deal.

However, the response was clear. Casemiro does not plan to return to Brazil at this stage and has hinted at an opportunity to remain in England. His priority is to play at a high level abroad. That stance has frustrated Brazil’s hopes of bringing him back in the near future.

Other options remain open

Even after Manchester United returned, other clubs continued to monitor the situation. The Brazilian report that Inter Miami have shown interest, while Al-Nassr represents a strong option from Saudi Arabia.

Those offers could prove economically attractive, especially in the Saudi market. Nevertheless, Casemiro’s improved form and his family’s preference to remain in Europe could influence the result. Instability in the Middle East will also be a reason.

The situation has clearly changed for Manchester United. What once seemed like a certain exit has turned into an open decision. Now a lot will depend on whether both sides are able to reach a consensus in the coming months or not.

🇩🇰 FC Midtjylland | Manchester United and Liverpool got there last night, with several possibilities on offer…https://t.co/wocwF5gneh #free #lfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 March 2026

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinski will ‘rarely’ rejoin the Premier League side this season.

This is according to the Czech Republic gameWho sees his future at Tottenham after this season.

Igor Tudor played the stopper in Tottenham’s 5-2 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but was replaced after 17 minutes.

This clearly did not please the Czech Republic internationals and their country’s media.

On Wednesday, Sports Witness check claims covered The 22-year-old has been urged to leave Spurs after a disappointing Champions League debut.

Tottenham banned from January exit

Prior to his appearance against the La Liga team, Kinski had made two appearances for Tottenham this season and both were in the EFL Cup. Guglielmo Vicario has been number 1 for the last few years.

Kinski’s restricted role led to several clubs attempting to sign him in the winter market. West Ham United had him on their target list, while there were claims of interest from Lille and unnamed German clubs.

However, the north London club decided not to sanction his exit. This clearly has not worked out for the player and therefore, a loan move has been considered. ‘much more likely’ In summer.

Specific clauses in Kinski’s contract

Antonin Kinski could take advantage of a clause in his contract to move away from the Tudor side. This will come into effect if he does not make a certain number of appearances this season.

Sources have told iSport about the clause, without mentioning details of the terms. If he fails to meet these conditions, Tottenham will have to release him on loan in the next window.

Since the check is unlikely to be involved again, this segment is likely to be active. People close to Kinski suggest it is best for him to leave the English capital club on a temporary deal.

Stopper contract and price

transfer market Kinski is valued at €13m and his contract expires in 2029. However, the Premier League side have Confirmed He has signed a deal till 2031.

He arrived at the north London club from Slavia Prague in January 2025, after Vicario was sidelined with injury.

Kinski has played 1,127 minutes in 13 matches so far, kept four clean sheets and conceded 22 goals.

It will be interesting to see where he plays next season. Cech needs to join a club on loan that can ensure him regular playing time.

🇨🇿 Antonin Kinski | From the Czech Republic: ‘No other option’

⏩Tottenham player told what to do and when to do it
❌ There is no Spurs future so an exit is needed
🇮🇹 Loris Karius is constantly mentioned, but perhaps Miles Swiller would be a better comparison…👇https://t.co/XOTez2jcgV #joyce

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026

When the Golden State Warriors traded Jonathan Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis, it created a storm of discussion around the league. Many questioned Steve Kerr’s ability to develop young players. 95. According to a post from The Game, Kerr is now hitting back at fans who are critical of the Warriors’ youth development.

“Any frustration from our fans is probably coming from the idea that young players should get it right away. It doesn’t work that way.”

– Steve Kerr addressed some fans’ opinion that he “doesn’t develop young players” (via). @willardanddibs). pic.twitter.com/5Ch2uReWbb

– 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) 5 March 2026

Kerr emphasized that youth development involves a process. Furthermore, he indicated that it is more complicated than giving them all the minutes.

The Warriors are still technically contending, sitting at 31-30 and eighth in the Western Conference. But recent games have shown that this season is starting to get away from them.

Things began to deteriorate for the team when Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury. Then, Stephen Curry suffered a knee injury, which has kept him out since January 30. The Warriors officially traded Kuminga, ending an experiment that looked promising at one point but failed over time.

After winning four titles over the past decade, the Warriors hoped to continue building their roster by keeping Curry, Butler, Draymond Green and other veterans who can help them. But after drafting Kuminga in 2021, they weren’t able to develop him into the star that Curry and Butler are.

Kuminga never averaged more than 16.1 points with the Warriors. In three games with the Hawks, he is averaging 21.3 points per game. Brandin Podziemski has been a solid role player, but still isn’t developing as quickly, averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 44.7% from the floor, including 36.2% from the triple. Meanwhile, Moses Moody has battled injuries while averaging 11.9 points per game.

Assuming Curry returns, he will once again be the main focus as the Warriors attempt to make a run at the end of the season. But the Warriors’ youth development hasn’t gone according to plan, and Kerr may be tired of hearing about it.

Washington, DC – The Washington Wizards began the last full calendar month of their season with a 123-118 home loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night, and they are close to retaining their top-eight protected draft pick this summer. Furthermore, their young core has taken a step forward.

For example, rookie forward Will Riley talked about partner Rookie Trey Johnson’s rise after Saturday night’s 134-125 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Will Riley on Trey Johnson’s development this season:

“Obviously he’s an amazing player. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed. He’ll always encourage guys, and he’ll also tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate as a teammate. He’s a… pic.twitter.com/YKxiFLD2Yc

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 1 March 2026

“Obviously he’s an amazing player. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed,” the 20-year-old said. “He’ll always encourage guys, and he’ll also tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate as a teammate. He’s a great kid, has amazing work ethic. He’s always in the gym, always one of the last guys in there with me. Always competing…”

Riley may not have intended to compliment himself when he complimented Johnson, but he did when he noted that his partner was “one of the last guys.” [the gym] With me.” The “with me” part is the highlight of the statement, as it indicates equality between the two novices.

While the cliché about professional athletes working around the clock to get better is as old as time, the work ethic is yielding results for both players. Johnson ranks third among 2025 draftees with a 37.4 percent 3-point clip (minimum of five attempts per game), and Riley averaged 14.6 points on 47 percent shooting (37.5 percent 3-point) with 4.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes in February, the first month in which he averaged more than 20 minutes.

Washington is on a losing streak this season, but these statistical achievements are long-term wins. They represent growth, as Riley shot 38.2 percent (31.8 percent 3-pointers) in January, and Johnson his playmaking improved From the beginning of the campaign.

Trey Johnson playmaking. pic.twitter.com/dO3qrXzjNM

– Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) 13 January 2026

Johnson was the Wizards’ reward for tanking last season, when they were led by veteran guard Jordan Poole and a rookie Alex Sarr. They received the No. 6 overall selection in the draft lottery, the lowest selection they would receive after finishing with the NBA’s second-worst record (18–64). They missed out on star prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, but Johnson’s deadeye shooting and promising playmaking could make him a potential upper-tier player in his own right once he reaches his peak.

Meanwhile, acquiring Riley was the result of last season’s Marcus Smart trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis traded a 2025 lottery-protected first-round pick to Washington to absorb the unwanted salary of Smart, who moved up to the No. 18 overall selection after clinching a playoff berth by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120–106 in their second play-in tournament game. The Wizards then moved up to No. 21 on draft night and selected Riley.

To increase their floor in the lottery and take advantage of cap space in trades, Washington added two building blocks to a young core that includes Sarr, second-year wing Keyshawn George, second-year guard Bub Carrington and third-year guard Bilal Coulibaly. In addition to developing those players this season, it acquired stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young will make his Wizards debut on Thursday at home against the Utah Jazz.

Additionally, Washington is on track to retain their 2026 lottery pick as they have the NBA’s fourth-worst record (16-44) with 22 games remaining. It would have to finish with a bottom-four record to guarantee a selection in a class featuring superstar prospects like BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darin Peterson.

It’s been a tough road for long-suffering Wizards fans. The team has not had a winning season since 2017–18, and has finished bottom every year since general manager Will Dawkins and president Michael Winger took over in the 2023 offseason. But Washington will finally be ready to win next season, and it’s partly due to the development of Johnson and Riley.

Danny Wolf makes hilarious confession to Will Riley

Riley had a career day in Washington’s 127–113 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on February 7, scoring 27 points (10-19 FG, 4-6 3-point) with three rebounds, three steals and two assists in 45 minutes. The Wizards used an eight-man rotation full of backups, as it was in their best interests to lose against fellow bottom-feeders like the Nets, but the native Canadian’s performance was another step forward.

Brooklyn rookie Danny Wolf talked to ClutchPoints about the relay postgame.

I asked Nets rookie Danny Wolf for his thoughts on fellow rookie Will Riley, who scored a career-high 27 points for the Wizards today (thread):

“Obviously he’s a talented player. To his credit, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA…He has a lot of things to offer…” pic.twitter.com/f9kVJ2jwgB

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 7 February 2026

“Obviously he’s a talented player,” the former Michigan Wolverine said. “To his credit, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA… He has a lot of tools. He frustrated us when he was at Illinois. He’s a good player.”

Wolf was not lying, as Riley and the Fighting Illini defeated the Wolverines 93–73 on March 2, 2025. The latter averaged 13 points (6-12 FG, 0-4 3-point) with four rebounds and five assists and later won Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Riley has shown his proficiency as a jumbo shot creator this season, and his improvement as a spot-up from long range bodes well for his future. The 6-foot-9, 180-pounder could stand to add some muscle, which would help him dominate inside defenders. But the Nets game and his general ascent in February showed what he can already do with extended playing time.

The Wizards have a road date with the Orlando Magic next Tuesday.