​Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn ImagesKendrick Perkins drops extremely bold Wizards claim for 2026-27 season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins has higher expectations for the Washington Wizards entering the 2026-27 season than most NBA analysts. The return of four-time All-Star Trae Young is a big part of his prediction, as is a healthy Anthony Davis, alongside top prospect AJ Dybantsa. Davis dismissed a potential trade from the Wizards in preparation for the upcoming season.Perkins reminded Wizards fans of the caliber players that Davis and Young are, and how they could lead them to a playoff spot, per ESPN’s First Take.“Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, and Anthony Marshawn Davis Jr. are going to make the playoffs this year,” Perkins said. “They’re going to be a top-6 seed in the Eastern Conference. Here’s why: People forget because Trae Young didn’t play last year; he’s a 20-and-10 guy, 20 points/10 assists. When you look at the length that they have on the floor between Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr, defensively, they’re going to be a problem.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)“Anthony Davis said he wants to play, and he’s going to play 82 games. And damn it, I believe him. And when Anthon Davis is available, he’s a top 3 big in the NBA on both ends of the floor. So, when I look at the Wizards, I don’t expect them to advance far in the playoffs. A successful season is them making the playoffs. They’re gonna do that.”ESPN’s Stephen A Smith remians skeptical, especially Kendrick Perkins’ part about Davis playing in all of the Wizards’ 82 regular-season games.“I give Anthony Davis about as much of a chance of playing every game this season as I give my hairline for moving two feet forward; it ain’t gonna happen,” Smith said.“Dammit I believe it.”@KendrickPerkins is hopeful that the Wizards will make the playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/1d44y1Zxgf— First Take (@FirstTake) October 9, 2026Davis’ 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block led the Wizards in a 111-109 win against the New York Knicks in their preseason opener. Young finished with 15 points, four assits, and two steals while Dybantsa added 11 points and four steals in his NBA debut.Related: Walt Frazier grabs attention with savage 2-word nickname for Wizards’ Anthony DavisRelated: Watch Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa drain first NBA bucket in style at NBA champs’ home