Anthony Davis: Perkins believes. Smith doesn’t

The Washington Wizards have completely convinced Kendrick Perkins, who believes they are ready to finish the 2026-27 NBA season among the top six teams in the Eastern Conference. On ESPN’s First Take, the former Celtic pointed to the trio of Trae Young, Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa as the key to reaching the playoffs.

Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa and Anthony Davis are going to take this team to the playoffs this year. They’ll be top six in the Eastern Conference

Kendrick Perkins

At the heart of his optimism is Trae Young, whom Perkins still sees as a player capable of averaging around 20 points and 10 assists. After seeing little of him last season, Washington could finally take full advantage of his ability to create offense and get his teammates involved.

One of the biggest question marks, however, remains the availability of Anthony Davis.

Anthony Davis said he wants to play and that he’s going to play 82 games. And damn it, I believe him. I don’t expect the Wizards to go far in the playoffs. A successful season would be making it. And they will

Kendrick Perkins

Stephen A. Smith sees things very differently, especially when it comes to the idea of Davis playing the entire regular season:

I give Anthony Davis about as much of a chance to play every game as I give my hairline to move forward two feet: it’s not happening

Stephen A. Smith

And looking at the past few seasons, the skepticism is understandable. Over the last six seasons, Davis has played more than 55 games only in 2023/24, making it difficult to imagine him being available for all 82 games.

Washington certainly has several intriguing players, but finishing among the top six in the East will require consistency above all else. And much will depend on Davis’ health, as after promising to show a new version of himself, he will now have to try to convince the skeptics too. Starting with Stephen A. Smith.